Two local organisations’ measures against climate change have been celebrated by North Tyneside Council.
The local authority launched its free Carbon Reduction Award Scheme earlier in the year, designed to help local organisations make a positive difference by reducing their own carbon emissions and tackling climate change.
Thanks to their carbon-cutting measures, LD:NorthEast and Living to Learn NE, both dedicated to supporting young people and adults with disabilities, have been presented with the silver award.
Committed to making a difference to the environment, both organisations have improved their carbon footprint through reviewing their energy consumption, identifying energy-saving hotspots, producing carbon reduction action plans and policies, training staff in energy awareness, and appointing local energy champions.
Cllr Sandra Graham, cabinet member responsible for the climate emergency, said: “I’d like to congratulate and thank LD:NorthEast and Living to Learn for their efforts to help reduce the boroughs carbon emissions.
“With support from our expert Environmental Sustainability team, the award scheme is a brilliant way for organisations to gain a detailed understanding of energy and carbon reduction opportunities in their workplace.
“Those taking part will receive support and resources from our team to help reduce their carbon footprint, becoming more efficient and profitable in the process.
“As a council, we are working towards being carbon net-zero by 2030, but we can’t do this alone. We only directly control two per cent of the borough’s carbon footprint, so we absolutely need the help of our residents and businesses.
“I would really encourage other businesses to find out more and sign up to the scheme.”
Based in Wallsend, LD:NorthEast is a local charity who supports around 700 people across North Tyneside who have lived experiences of learning disabilities, learning difficulties and autism. Their work is all about bringing people together to have fun, spend time with their friends and to feel good about themselves. Their vision is to achieve equality and social inclusion so people can live their life, their way.
Daniel Litster, Engagement Coordinator at LD:NorthEast, said: “It is fantastic that we have been awarded the silver medal for our efforts on reducing our carbon reduction, it is great to see all the hard work be rewarded and the aim now is to get gold.
“It was great to see all the staff get on board with this to enhance their own knowledge about carbon reduction and making the changes to our organisations and how it can make a difference to our carbon footprint.
“I hope this is the start of organisations getting on board with the carbon reduction award and the difference it can make to the overall carbon footprint.
“Thank you again to everyone at North Tyneside council for all the help they have given for us to achieve this award.”
Based in North Shields, Living to Learn currently support 30 young people, and continue to expand year-on-year. As a day service provider, they offer a lifelong learning programme for young people with learning difficulties and additional needs, aged between 19-30 years old. These young people build on skills learned through school settings to gain further skills to support themselves in everyday life.
The management team at Living to Learn, said: “We are proud of the difference our young people have made and will continue to make within North Tyneside, and continue to look at ways we can improve our carbon reductions here at Living to Learn.”
There are three tiers to the scheme – bronze, silver and gold – depending on the changes an organisation has made. Upon award, participants receive a certificate and window display sticker which demonstrates their commitment to carbon reduction.
Customers can be assured they are making a sustainable choice with an environmentally conscious organisation.
Both organisations are now working towards gaining gold awards to demonstrate a tangible reduction in their emissions.
If you want to sign up or would like further information about the award scheme, please email the Environmental Sustainability team at carbon@northtyneside.gov.uk
