Hull City Council has agreed to a huge new package of green energy initiatives, which will help protect the environment, make Hull greener and save money.
Following a cabinet meeting this week, recommendations set out in the Carbon Reduction Delivery Programme were agreed. It means green energy projects, like the construction of solar rooftops and solar canopies on Hull City Council buildings and car parks, can move forward.
The projects are predicted to deliver a reduction in the council’s energy costs, aid in increasing local energy security and deliver up to an estimated 5,700 tonne reduction in carbon emissions over a 25-year period. The council will see huge carbon savings, moving even closer towards its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, as set out in the Hull 2030 Carbon Neutral Strategy.
The majority of sites for the development of solar rooftops are located in the city centre. Some of the proposed sites for solar canopies include the Woodford and Ennerdale Leisure Centres, the Hull History Centre and Costello Stadium.
Further feasibility studies will be performed on the development of solar farms and wind turbines. The council will also look at how it can best utilise the energy – this includes the creation of an Energy Hub at the former McBrides Factory site on Stockholm Road. The energy generated has the potential to power the council’s fleet of vehicles.
Councillor Julia Conner, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change Lead at Hull City Council said: “This decision is a massive step forward for the council in meeting our carbon neutral ambitions.
“The development of many decarbonisation projects like solar rooftops and canopies have huge potential to deliver carbon savings, as well as provide relief during the ongoing energy crisis. These projects play a huge part in our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”
The council declared a climate emergency in April 2019 and earlier this year, signed a new statement of the council’s commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.
Hull City Council is also a partner of the Oh Yes! Net Zero campaign, encouraging local businesses and residents to drive down their emissions and take positive action on climate change. To find out more about the campaign, access advice and tips about reducing your carbon footprint and sign up to be part of it visit www.ohyesnetzero.co.uk.
