A series of investments, partnerships and projects have helped cut carbon emissions, increase recycling, create opportunities for future employment and protect the borough's natural environment.
One of the year's standout successes has been the launch of Renew North Tyneside, a new reuse shop created in partnership with SUEZ and North Tyneside Big Local. Since opening in March, the shop has sold more than 30,000 preloved household items, giving unwanted goods a second life, reducing waste and helping residents access affordable items for their homes.
Supporting the region's growing green economy has also been a key priority. We worked closely with Newcastle College and Shepherd Offshore to secure £8.9 million from the North East Innovation Zone to expand the Energy Academy in Wallsend and almost treble its capacity, taking it to over 1,000 learners in 5 years.
We also continued to make significant progress in reducing our carbon footprint. Our programme to convert all street lighting to LED technology is now in its final phase and, once complete, is expected to cut energy consumption by 74%, reducing both emissions and costs.
A range of heat decarbonisation projects across council buildings has further improved energy efficiency and supported progress towards net zero ambitions.
Residents have benefited from improved recycling services, with more materials now accepted for recycling and a programme of community recycling and waste events encouraging more people to reuse and recycle.
Investment in sustainable transport has also continued through the completion of the Sea Front Sustainable Route, linking Tynemouth and Whitley Bay. Delivered through external funding and partnerships with Active Travel England, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Capita, the route is encouraging more walking, wheeling and cycling along the coast.
We also strengthened our commitment to nature recovery and biodiversity. Through the North East Community Forest partnership, £73,000 was secured to plant 1,351 trees across the borough during 2025/26.
Further environmental improvements have been delivered through Section 106 funding, supporting projects including sand dune restoration in Tynemouth, woodland management at Rising Sun Country Park and habitat creation in Wallsend Dene.
Councillor Willie Samuel, Cabinet Member responsible for Environmental Sustainability, said:
"This has been a landmark year for environmental sustainability in North Tyneside, but also for the opportunities we're creating for local people.
"The success of Renew North Tyneside shows how small changes can make a big impact, preventing thousands of items from going to waste while helping residents access affordable goods.
"At the same time, our investment in the Energy Academy will help equip local people with the skills needed for the clean energy jobs of the future, ensuring North Tyneside is well placed to benefit from the growth of this sector.
"Alongside this, we've continued to reduce emissions, improve recycling services, invest in active travel and protect our natural environment. Together, these projects are helping us build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable borough for future generations.
“Contrary to what is often said, cutting our carbon footprint is also about cutting costs and by going green we are saving money in a number of ways.”
The achievements form part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and its ambition to create a cleaner, healthier and more resilient North Tyneside.
