The Council has deployed around £27m through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). This includes installing solar panels, air source heat pumps and energy efficiency improvements. The scheme includes schools, libraries, leisure centres, offices and theatres. The works carried out will save an estimated 2,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The Sustainable Warmth scheme in Newcastle is being delivered by Warmworks. Homeowners can increase the comfort and warmth of their home. The scheme offers insultation improvements, renewable technologies and other energy efficient measures. Phase 1 of the scheme retrofitted 107 private homes with fabric, heating and solar PV work.
The Council has successfully bid for the second round of funding for an extra £4.2m (named Home Upgrade Grant). This will improve properties that do not have mains gas central heating systems.
The Low Carbon Neighbourhood is a pilot scheme based in the West End of Newcastle. The project is a residential neighbourhood of 228 homes with low rise mixed tenure. It aims to develop full Net Zero domestic retrofit plans based on the area's energy network. A pilot property is nearing completion with an air source heat pump and solar pv installed.
The Council has received over £10 million to retrofit multiple tower blocks in the city. This includes installing heat pumps, new thermostats, external wall insulation and new windows. Works have completed on:
The scheme saw the replacement of 34,000 street lights across the city.
This will result in £1.4m saved every year from using more energy-efficient technology. 6000 tonnes of carbon will also be saved each year from this replacement.
Newcastle City Council is part of the Regenerate Partnership. They have developed a district energy centre to deliver heating to the Helix site. This heat network has expanded beyond the Helix site to the Discovery Museum.
Planning is also progressing to connect Newcastle College to the heat network. You can find out more about the project expansion here.