Project data page

IDThemeCERP3 Action CategoryReferenceAction TitleProject LeadAction DescriptionTargetImplementation StageStatusProgress UpdateExpected Completion DateResponsible Organisation(s)Section/TeamCarbon Footprint TypeIF: Council Carbon FootprintIF: Countywide Carbon FootprintActual Annual CO2 SavingCostFunding Secured?CarbonFootprintTypeCalcCouncilWideCalcCountyWideCalcImplementationStageCalcStatusCalcLink1
147Waste and ResourcesSustainable ProcurementW1Contract Environmental ConsiderationsRichard CarrollIncrease engagement with Service Areas to include environmental considerations within contracts (PEP's). Perform quarterly review of procurement pipeline, identifying forthcoming tenders and contracts that may have impact on our carbon emissions and other resource use. Subsequent engagement by Low Carbon and Procurement staff to work with contract managers to improve contract specifications.N/ADefine/PlanOn TrackWork with Strategic Waste to include carbon reporting as part of the Business Food Waste collection contract. Roll out of other targeted specific procurements continues.
Work continues on distribution of procurement pipeline to key Officer across Low Carbon team and Ecology to target service areas. New Section included in Service Plan templates to improve pipeline knowledge."46477Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionTBC (Contract specific)£0No022
131AdaptationFlooding ResilienceA2Sustainable Drainage SuDS + ApproachBrian WeatherallThe Community Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Innovation Accelerator is a multi-partner project, led by Durham County Council, exploring how SuDS can be used as a mechanisms to create more resilient, greener urban spaces which are shaped by their residents; we call this the SuDS+ approach.Test innovative solutions to reduce flood risk while also giving residents what they would like to see in a space. At the end of the project a handbook will be produced to guide others as to how to use the SuDS+ approach elsewhere. DeliverOn Track Co-design process began and design underway, we have a design/estimate for Cleveland Terrace scheme. Site work to start shortly, Design underway for the Memorial Park and Millenium Green46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£5800,000Yes032
176Natural EnvironmentNature Recovery N1Safeguarding land for natureAnna Wills / Jack MarshallIdentify and safeguard land holdings across the Council's estate for nature recovery and carbon sequestration / adaptation through the review and approval of potential opportunities with the Land Use Change working group, to ensure that the Council's wider interests are holistically considered and there are no conflicts with existing commitments.Increase in hectares safeguarded for natureDefine/PlanOn TrackOngoing work through the Land Use Change Working Group46477Durham County CouncilCouncil0 Enabling or Adaptation Actionn/aStaff time which could incur potential outsourcing of other workNo22
177Natural EnvironmentNature Recovery N2Council Estate Biodiversity Improvements Anna Wills / Jack MarshallInvestigate opportunities to fund and deliver land use and management change across the Council's estate using mandatory Biodiversity Net Gains from January 2024. Increase in hectares improved through BNGDefine/PlanSlightly Off TrackOn hold - pending review of options45299Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Actionn/aStaff time which could incur potential outsourcing of other workNo021
130AdaptationFlooding ResilienceA1Flood PlanLaura MossLRF Multi Agency Flood PlanEnsure the Plan is updated at least every 3 years or after incidentDeliverOn TrackN/A- awaiting review in 202646477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0Yes032
148Waste and ResourcesSustainable ProcurementW2Environmental consideration in procurement activtiesRichard CarrollEmbed sustainability and carbon savings into major procurement exercises as a core concept .
To make the move of environmental impacts from a social value metric to a core part of contract delivery as part of procurement consideration."N/ADefine/PlanOn TrackWork began in early 2025 on new Social Value Policy which is now in final draft. As part of this, environmental requirements have moved towards a more core position within the social value delivery piece.46477Durham County CouncilBothMed (>50-200 tonnes)Low (1-300 tonnes)£0No1-30022
78Energy and BuildingsDomestic Energy EfficiencyE3Home Upgrade GrantTrudy LindsayHome Upgrade Grant funding to retrofit measures to private Off gas properties across the County.50 measures installedCompleteCompletedProject almost complete, works carried out to 21 properties as funding was reduced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to £620,000 capital for the retrofit works to properties across County Durham. All measures now installed and lodgements made. Property inspections underway. Scheme to be finished end June.45838Durham County CouncilCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes)£5,100,000 (reduced to £620,00 capital by DESNZ)Yes301-6004
76Energy and BuildingsDomestic Energy EfficiencyE1Managing Money Better (MMB) ServiceTrudy LindsayManaging Money Better (MMB) Service to evolve and offer telephone triage service to help customers sooner. 4 additional members of staff to be trained in energy advice to give greater flexibility to the scheme. Target of 10 households assisted per month after April 2024. 10 household assessments per monthCompleteCompletedThe MMB service was outsourced to Groundworks NE (acting on behalf of the North East Combined Authority - NECA) as part of its general energy advice remit. Numbers of MMB referrals were falling anyway, mainly due to a perceived lack of fuel switching opportunities. 42 referrals from April to End December 2024. Average 4.6 per month. This service has now been amalgamated into the advice service offered by NECA via Groundwork NE. 45747Durham County CouncilCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes)£40,000Yes301-6004
77Energy and BuildingsDomestic Energy EfficiencyE2Warm and Healthy HomesTrudy LindsayWarm and Healthy Homes - Boiler repairs and services to customers with health conditions exacerbated by the cold5 referrals per monthDeliverSlightly Off TrackFunding secured from Public Health and match funded from Planning & Housing budgets. Take up has been relatively low and as a result the scheme has now been extended to private landlords who are part of the Durham Lettings Standard scheme. In addition, GP's have been written to again highlighting the scheme and it's benefits to patients in an attempt to encourage applications. Discussions currently ongoing with Public Health to explore future options for the scheme. More recently it has been agreed to carry forward last years funding into this year and to undertake a media campaign to raise awareness. From 1st January 2025 to end May 2025 there has been 6 applications.46112Durham County CouncilCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes)£10,000Yes301-60031
246Transport and ConnectivityBusesT30Zero Emission Park and Ride Buses Kieron MoraleeEngage further with Park and Ride operators to introduce Zero Emission (ZE) buses on park and ride routes and implement funding opportunities through liaison with Transport North East (TNE). (Links with Air Quality Action Plan No 5)Number of zero emission buses at park and ride sites - to deliver by 2027Early Concept/ScopingSlightly Off TrackSoft Market Testing has been undertaken with bus service operators via the OPEN portal. A meeting is scheduled for early Q1 2025/26 to determine the market readiness and willingness to tender for a ZE service, as well as highlighting operational and feasibility issues with the procurement of a ZE service.
Current diesel contract is due to expire is October 2026."46326Durham County Council, Park and Ride operatorsCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)TBC (Soft Market Testing might give an indication of costs compared to current diesel contract)No1-30011
226Transport and ConnectivityTransport Policy and Air Quality ProjectsT11Idling ZonesSean BarryWork with Public Health, Children and Young People Services (CYPS), Road Safety and Community Protection to identify and introduce no idling zones and promotion of active travel at Early Years and education settings Number of idling zones set upDefine/PlanOn TrackCorporate Air Quality Steering Group looking at idling zones as a regular item on the agenda. Common denominator of engagement and education to lead behaviour change. Proposing: 1. Some preliminary work to gauge interest in No Idling Zones within school areas and looking at those schools within the Air Quality Management Plan first, to gauge motivation.
2. Deliver a public awareness campaign regarding switching engines off at bus stations taxi ranks and other drop off and pick up points etc.
3. Consider a 'No Idling' policy across the whole of the County Durham Footprint. "46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Actionhas possibilities of reduce carbon emissions. 10,000?? Yes Yes022
253Transport and ConnectivityElectric Vehicle ChargingT37Derwent Valley Chargepoint InstallationAndrew ShielInstall 8 electric vehicle (EV) Chargepoints (16 sockets) in suitable areas in Derwent Valley100% of EVCPs deliveredCompleteCompletedcompleted Nov 2445473Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)0Yes1-3004
247Transport and ConnectivityBusesT31Park and Ride Extended HoursKieron MoraleeInvestigate extending the existing number of days and/or hours of operation of all Park and Ride sitesExtra service in operation by end of 2024CompleteCompletedPark and Ride services now run 7am-7pm on Sundays on PR1 (Belmont to Sniperley).
This was brought into effect on 1st April 2024"45295Durham County CouncilCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes) Bus Contract - £130,000 & Building/Staffing est - £76,000. Total £206,000 No301-6004
254Transport and ConnectivityElectric Vehicle ChargingT38Electric Vehicle (EV) ChargepointsAndrew ShielUse Levelling Up funding to install more EV Chargepoints100% of EVCPs deliveredDeliverOn Trackon track - 3 sites (6 EVCP - electric vehicle charge points) in place and commissioned Dec24 - Will over deliver as money saved compared to original expected quotes used to install additional Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, to be done by July 2545869Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes) £0.5m Yes1-30032
255Transport and ConnectivityElectric Vehicle ChargingT39Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) projectAndrew ShielLEVI Pilot project - Install 250 EV Chargepoints across the County - 190 fast and 60 rapid chargers (important national pilot project)100% of EVCPs deliveredDeliverSlightly Off TrackSome challenges have been encountered during the project processes but actions have been taken to resolve and move forward. Lessons continue to be learned and problems solved with first installations due to complete summer 2025
,46752,Durham County Council,,Countywide,,High (>600-1000 tonnes)" £8.4m Yes601-100031
256Transport and ConnectivityElectric Vehicle ChargingT40Social Housing EV ChargepointsAndrew ShielDeliver 200 new EV Chargepoints on land belonging to social housing providers100% of EVCPs deliveredDefine/PlanOff Track, Action NeededFunding awarded from Office Zero Emission Vehicles to the North East Combined Authority. This was then due to be awarded to DCC once procurement was completed and contracts awarded. Update May 25, application for funds delayed from tranche 1 to tranche 2 and therefore wont commence until 202747482Durham County CouncilCountywideHigh (>600-1,000 tonnes) £3m No601-100020
268Business, Green Economy &SkillsBusiness EngagementB4Green Economy EventsGuy BashfordCo-develop one green economy focussed event each yearOne event per yearDeliverOn TrackGet Set Green event took place on the 19th Feb 2025. Over 220 businesses attended. 37 Mainly County Durham exhibitors - mix of sustainability innovators, sustainable solutions providers and meet the buyer. Extensive media coverage including the BBC Look North. Planning for 2026 has commenced.45747Business DurhamCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£5 to £10K per annum via DBG event budget Yes032
301Agriculture & Sustainable FoodFood and Farming Project developmentF12Fast FollowersEllie GrimesMonitor progress and learn from Northumberland County Council's Fast Followers competition workstream which will see engagement with farmers across the County. N/ADefine/PlanOn TrackOngoing monitoring46389Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionUnknownNo022
289Business, Green Economy &SkillsBusiness EngagementB22Delivery of environmental business support via the Durham Business Growth programme (DBG)Guy BashfordSupporting County Durham businesses to save energy and carbon through the Durham Business Growth Programme100 decarbonisation plans, 100 tonnes of CO2 ( E) savings; recorded number of BEEP interventions (DBGP phase 1). For the one year extension for the programme (1st April 205 – 31st March 2026) we have a target to achieve carbon savings of 50 tonnes. DeliverOn TrackThere are 18 companies working on Decarbonisation Plans. The Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) have completed 51 energy audits via the DBGP process. DBGP 1 was completed 1st April 2023-31st March 2025 (two years) and has achieved cumulative carbon savings of 202 tonnes from 10 companies. The DBGP has been extended until the 31st March 2026.46112Business DurhamCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes)23Within existing DBGP budgetYes301-60032
300Agriculture & Sustainable FoodFood and Farming Project developmentF11Farming Community SupportEllie GrimesExplore funding opportunities to support the farming community, actively working with partners such as the NFU, to promote the adoption of regenerative practises.Increased number of farmers engaged with through successful funding bidsEarly Concept/ScopingOn TrackNo funding available at present, to our knowledge but we are working hard to develop relationships and project ideas to ensure when funding is available we are able to sign post and/or apply46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionUnknownNo012
304Agriculture & Sustainable FoodFood and Farming Project developmentF15Food Co-ordinator SupportEllie GrimesSupport the post of Food coordinator by contributing financially, attending FDAG and developing projects in this area. £5,000 to be provided during CERP period- completed. Regular catch ups held. DeliverOn TrackFunding is ongoing.46507Durham County Council CountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)£5,000Yes1-30032
297Agriculture & Sustainable FoodKnowledge SharingF8Community Growing SupportKate Burrows & Fiona ChristianWe will provide ongoing support to the Community Growing and Food network which Durham Community Action (DCA) facilitates, which brings together like-minded organisations with projects or an interest related to growing and food. We will continue to work with Food Durham and support the development of local community initiatives addressing food poverty and food insecurity.Number of networking events held and number of attendees: Quarterly meetings of the Community Growing and Food network, with 20 attendees per event.DeliverOn TrackAround 170 contacts receive regular information around community growing and food including access to a Facebook group and regular mailings. 5 networks are held every year (Jan-Dec) often at venue to showcase and/or provide practical skills with 2024/5 attendance to date:
Apr 2024: 16
Jul 2024: 19
Sept. 2024: 18
Nov. 2024: 22
Feb 2025: 11"46390Durham Community ActionCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/AYes032
102Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE26Council estate - increase wind energy generation in suitable locationsTracy MillmoreFollowing learnings from Hackworth Road project take forward additional sites.Define/PlanOff Track, Action NeededLooking at potential wind turbine at Joint stocks depot, however currently there is no funding available. We are implementing solar PV on site to support energy.46478Durham County CouncilCouncil0 Enabling or Adaptation Action TBC No20
97Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE21Council estate - Tanfield solar farm projectStephen Beresford/Tracy MillmoreReview and upscale solar farm at Tanfield to match demand from nearby building by 2025. Explore commercial potential of projectExtension delivered Early Concept/ScopingSlightly Off TrackOn hold pending demand estimates from adjacent building and prospect of utilising renewable electricity at other DCC sites46477Durham County CouncilCouncilLow (1-50 tonnes)£750,000No11
306EngagementPartner Engagement ActivityC2Promotion of best practice in green volunteeringFiona Christian/ Kate BurrowsAs the accredited Volunteer Centre for County Durham, Durham Community Action will support the ongoing development of green skills for volunteering. We will utilise our networks such as the Volunteer Coordinator Forum to enhance good practice and provide peer learning and support for green volunteering. Proposed metric: Number of organisations using volunteers who engage with green volunteering: 20 contacts each quarter attending the Volunteer ForumDeliverOn TrackWe continue to connect with over 500 contacts who receive regular information about volunteering gaining peer support, development opportunities and to share ideas and insight. Network meetings rung 4 x per year both in person or online. Attendance from April 24 – March 25:
Apr. 2024:27 attendees (in person)
Jul. 2024: 23 attendees (in person)
Oct. 2024: 25 attendees (online)
Jan. 2025: 39 attendees (online)
Attendees included organisations such as Wear Rivers Trust Shildon Alive National Trust Recyke Y'Bike The Auckland Project Durham "46752Durham Community ActionCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£0Yes032
313EngagementStrategic Communications and Marketing C9Thematic Communications CampaignAndriana Christou3 year communication and marketing campaign broken down into 12 month intervals rotating around the themes of the Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP) Monthly communications, marketing ad where appropriate PR activity DeliverOn TrackThe 2025 campaign planning is complete, and we are now in the fourth month of delivery across all communication channels. We continue to monitor and evaluate engagement and impact, adjusting our messaging and approach where needed to ensure alignment with the CERP themes and audience needs.46568Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/A£3,000Yes032
315EngagementStrategic Communications and Marketing C11Multimedia UseAndriana ChristouMultimedia use for communications and engagement activity to ensure increased engagement via audience preferred mediumUse at least 5 different forms and methods of media, materials and channels. Quarterly evaluations of methods and related data DeliverOn TrackWe are actively using all available communication channels and continuously monitoring and evaluating their performance. This allows us to adapt our approach and identify the most effective formats and platforms for engaging with our varied audiences46568Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/A£10000p/yYes032
314EngagementStrategic Communications and Marketing C10Council website and intranet restructureAndriana ChristouContinuous development and restructure of web and intranet based information available to public, staff and partners. This is to ensure clear and concise information is readily available Monthly communications, marketing and where appropriate PR activity. Quarterly review DeliverOn TrackClimate, sustainability, and carbon reduction content has now been delivered for the corporate website. We are currently reviewing content across the intranet, Climate County Durham, and Durham Insight platforms, with updates expected to be completed across all channels within the next 12 months.46568Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/A£1,000032
305EngagementPartner Engagement ActivityC1Fostering Joined up Climate ActionFiona Christian/ Kate BurrowsDurham Community Action (DCA) will continue to use our influence for the ongoing development of ‘joined up’ practical activity in response to Durham County Council’s climate emergency. Through our work with community buildings, Public Health Partnerships, the Economic Partnership and Environment Partnerships including the Integration of Physical Activity Strategy for County Durham .1 engagement event per annumDeliverOn TrackAs part of our Community Action in Rural North East (CAIRN) project, we held an engagement event in March 2025 for people running community buildings to explore options around the development of a community energy vehicle for the installation of solar panels/batteries. The event attracted 50+ people collectively the volunteers and trustees who attended help to support 37 community buildings across many different communities and geographies in County Durham. 46752Durham Community ActionCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£0Yes032
318EngagementStrategic Communications and Marketing C14Communications Strategy DevelopmentAndriana ChristouDevelopment of a communications strategy for CERP 3 Completion of strategy and group delivery scheduleDeliverOn TrackThe overarching communications strategy for CERP 3 is now complete and on track in delivery. We’re currently working closely with countywide and council teams to ensure their work feeds into the wider plan, while also supporting them with their individual communications and engagement goals where needed. Alongside this, we are working on a focused strategic approach that brings everything together, with a strong emphasis on audience segmentation, reach, and meaningful engagement. This to ensure we achieve the best possible outcomes and meet set targets. Expected delivery within 6 months. 46053Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/A N/A No032
317EngagementStrategic Communications and Marketing C13CERP4 Consultation Exercise DevelopmentAndriana ChristouComplete an open to all consultation for everyone based in County Durham for CERP 4. Create and deliver public, partners and staff consultation. Number of Participants and repliesEarly Concept/ScopingOn TrackThis will be carried out towards the mid end of CERP3 (2026/2027) to help build CERP4 46387Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/AN/A No012
316EngagementStrategic Communications and Marketing C12Case Study UseAndriana ChristouCommunicate and use case studies from across organisations, residents, business and staff Deliver 5 case studies across a multitude of appropriate channels DeliverOn TrackWe’ve gathered several great case studies from colleagues and continue to actively seek stories from our partners and the wider community. These examples help us highlight the efforts being made across County Durham to support decarbonisation and care for our local environment. This is an ongoing piece of work, and we welcome contributions at any time46568Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/AN/A No032
321EngagementCommunity EngagementC17Community Climate ChampionsAndriana ChristouDevelopment of a Climate Change/ Net Zero champions group which is community based to help with delivery of the Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP) engagement activities and communications. Group delivery scheduleDefine/PlanOn TrackWe're working closely with local networks, staff, partners, and organisations to develop a community-based Climate Change/Sustainability Champions group to support the delivery of CERP engagement activities and communications. We’re focused on creating a model that benefits both the community and our CERP efforts. This includes developing toolkits, training materials, and a clear structure for the network. We’re also ensuring accessibility by creating welcome packs and putting in place all the mechanisms and skills needed to build a strong and effective community network. The view is to launch the network within the next 6 months. 46022Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/AN/AYes022
320EngagementStrategic Communications and Marketing C16Climate NewsletterAndriana ChristouDevelopment of a digital newsletter detailing local climate, carbon, sustainability, and environment related workNumber of people in receipt of newsletter Define/PlanOn TrackWe’ve developed a digital newsletter focused on local climate, carbon, sustainability, and environmental work, and are now in the first draft stages. We're currently assessing the content and flow, making adjustments as needed to ensure it’s clear, engaging, and relevant. We're also exploring the best formats and channels for distribution, with plans to deliver one version for staff and a separate one for the public, partners, and the wider community. This will be delivered within the next 6 months following trial runs. 46568Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/A TBC part of overall marketing budgetNo022
319EngagementStrategic Communications and Marketing C15Communication AccessibilityAndriana ChristouEnsure all communications and engagement activity is fair, accessible and inclusive. Accessible and inclusive engagement across a multitude of stakeholders and audiences DeliverOn TrackWe make sure that all our communications and engagement activities are fair, accessible, and inclusive. For our digital and web content, we focus on making it easy for everyone to access and understand, paying special attention to underrepresented and minority groups. We adapt our approach so it resonates with different audiences, ensuring it’s relevant and useful to all.
When it comes to engagement whether it’s workshops training or any events we make sure we consider things like timing format and accessibility so everyone has the chance to get involved. We want to make sure everyone feels included heard and valued. We’ll keep reviewing and adjusting our approach to make sure we’re creating the most inclusive experiences possible."46568Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/A N/A No032
322EngagementCommunity EngagementC18Community case study exchangeAndriana ChristouSupport community groups, voluntary sectors in raising awareness on their projects and utilise their case studies. Provide groups with marketing materials (print and digital) along with team support depending on capacity at the time. Number of practical support providedDefine/PlanOn TrackWe’re currently developing the Community Climate Champions network and, in the meantime, are working closely with our partners, County Durham based organisations, and community groups to help raise awareness of their projects. We’re planning the newsletter, communications pack, and toolkit to ensure smooth collaboration and make sure the communities voices and actions are contributing to the CERP efforts. While we’ll provide marketing materials and team support where possible, we’re mindful of minimizing waste and avoiding print materials due to the carbon emissions associated with them, so we prioritize digital options whenever possible.46568Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/A£300No022
323EngagementStaff EngagementC19Staff Climate Champions networkAndriana ChristouCouncil Climate Champions group continuous development and growth Delivery of weekly communications. Number of engagement hits and climate champions DeliverOn TrackWe’re focusing on the continuous development and growth of the Council’s staff Climate Champions group, ensuring we have the best approach to engage and support our staff network. This includes adopting a more focused strategy to work with and engage the network, making sure everyone feels supported and empowered to spread the message and contribute towards the CERP. Our aim is to create an environment where each champion can play an active role, helping drive our collective efforts forward.46568Durham County CouncilCouncil0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/AN/A No32
324EngagementEventsC20Climate Change EventsAndriana ChristouEngagement events, activities and workshops with partners, public and staff Hold at least 4 engagement events/activities yearly which will be tracked by number of participants.DeliverOn TrackWe hold monthly engagement sessions with staff, and we also deliver a wide range of workshops and events through our countywide and council-based teams. These focus on various areas of the Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP), ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and awareness they need to contribute to our goals. We have several events in the planning stages and continue to deliver ongoing sessions to keep the momentum going and support engagement across the board.46568Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/AN/AYes032
96Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE20Council estate - increase solar power generationLouise AustinIncrease PV (photovoltaic) generation across DCC estate by 3MW. This will include a mixture of roof mounted, ground mounted, and vertical mounted, to best suit the site.3MW of solar PV to be installedDeliverOn TrackProcurement for SPA4 (Solar PV Array 4), to deliver 0.5MW of PV across DCC estate began on 11/12/2024. Outside of SPA4, solar PV has been installed at Peterlee Pathways and Corten House. Currently investigating the potential of solar PV at Chilton Depot.46477Durham County CouncilCouncilMed (>50-200 tonnes)£750,000No32
91Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE15Council estate - LED lighting programmeLouise AustinInstall LED lighting across 20 Durham County Council owned sites20 sites will have LED lighting installed.DeliverOn TrackComplete – Louisa Centre, Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Consett Leisure Centre, Heighington Lane Waste Transfer Site
Sites Planned for 2025 – Green Lane; Seaham St Jon’s; Peterlee OPH; Bishop Auckland Town Hall; Crook Civic Centre; Freemans Quay.
Current carbon savings total 110tCO2e from completed sites."46112Durham County CouncilCouncilHigh (>200 - 500 tonnes)110£2,000,000Yes32
98Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE22Council estate - Jade Business Park solar projectStephen McDonaldDevelop 1MW solar array at Jade Business Park (following Eastern Green Link construction and construction of National Grid convertor station when field is back with DCC)1MW installed capacityEarly Concept/ScopingSlightly Off TrackProject on hold until post Eastern Green Link (2028)47208Durham County CouncilCouncilLow (1-50 tonnes)£1,000,000No11
85Energy and BuildingsCommunity energy efficiencyE9Rural Decarbonisation RoadmapKate Burrows & Fiona ChristianDurham Community Action (DCA) will work with partners to develop approaches to aid the decarbonisation of rural communities through 2024 which will explore the construction of community-based power and heat assets. This will create a blueprint for further rollout.feasibility study deliveredDefine/PlanOn TrackDCA successfully applied to the Climate Action Fund, receiving a 4 year award to deliver a range of community energy initiatives in rural County Durham (2024 - 2028). Since August DCA has been developing the County Durham strands of the project including:
• Identifying key stakeholders for engagement
• Shaping a community decarbonisation framework with Sycamore Net Zero
• Identifying and completing initial staff development and training opportunities
• Building on strategic connections across County Durham to align programme aims
• Supporting RDC to launch a community energy company “Durham Energy Association Limited” (DEAL) at an energy event on 19th March to coincide with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) Village Halls week and to celebrate the energy efficiency journey of Jubilee Fields Community Centre.
4 community buildings became part of our innovation project to extrapolate key themes around charity and property law with a focus on tenure leases and land registry outlining pathways to resolution and shaping learning resources for other community buildings to help them navigate those challenges. "46843Durham Community ActionCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action TBC No022
86Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE10Council estate - Gas/Oil replacement programmeTracy MillmoreRetrofit Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) into current DCC buildings. 6 upgrades/installs per year in line with capital maintenance programmeDefine/PlanSlightly Off Track2 of the 6 Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) have now been completed. These have been installed in Durham Pathways and Cotsford sites. There is a further ASHP planned at Crook Civic Centre, this is in planning stage. Further work on thermal and hybrid systems need to be considered prior to ensure we have the best solutions for the buildings. 46477Durham County CouncilCouncilMed (>50-200 tonnes)£4,000,000No21
100Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE24Council estate - Joint Stocks solar projectRichard BramfittDevelopment of Solar at Joint Stocks Quarry/former landfillInstall solar arrayEarly Concept/ScopingSlightly Off TrackNewt surveys for potential solar development is being undertaken at site. Project scope is altered from initial concept. 46477Durham County CouncilCouncilLow (1-50 tonnes)6.2 TBC No11
89Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE13Council estate - Public Sector Decarbonisation SchemeTracy MillmoreTake forward the following first stage decarbonisation plans:
Spennymoor EDC
Bishop Auckland TH
Durham Pathways
Chester - le - Street LC
Louisa Centre"6 plans to be completedDefine/PlanSlightly Off TrackSpennymoor Education Development Centre - Looking into options for a hybrid heating system.
Bishop Auckland Town Hall - Looking at heating options no current works on site.
Durham Pathways - Has had an ASHP (Air Source heat pump installed).
Chester-Le-Street Leisure Centre - Looking at heating options no current works on site.
Louisa Centre - Looking into decarbonisation works on site. "46023Durham County CouncilCouncil0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£24,000Yes21
88Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE12Leisure Centre decarbonisationTracy MillmoreDecarbonisation of Leisure Centres with target to achieve reduction in gas usage to support energy costs and security.leisure centres reporting reduction in gas useDeliverOn TrackAbbey Leisure Centre and Peterlee Leisure Centre currently have no gas connection. Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre only has gas for heating only and emergency back up. Air Source Heat Pumps feed hot water and the pool. Next phase will be Louisa centre and Freeman’s Quay and new Leisure Centre at Bishop Auckland46477Durham County CouncilCouncilMed (>50-200 tonnes)£5,000,000No32
95Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE19Council estate - insulation programmeTracy MillmoreWork with services within Durham County Council to ensure insulation of the Council's buildings is maximised. 6 insulation upgrades per yearDefine/PlanOn TrackWorking with CCS (Construction Consultancy Service) and Building and Facilities Management project leads to ensure commissions are considered for insulation. Ensuring that current works on site include thermal building insulation in order to maximise the energy consumption and reduce energy costs. This includes draught insulations, sealant of windows, roof repairs etc.46477Durham County CouncilCouncilLow (1-50 tonnes) TBC No22
104Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE28Pool coversRichard BramfittInstall pool covers at Leisure Centre sites with pools4 covers installedDeliverOn TrackFinances obtained for new covers at Newton Aycliffe (learner pool) and Freemans Quay (main pool). Finances obtained for replacement covers at Newton Aycliffe (main pool) and Louisa Centre (main pool). Project will overdeliver from initial scope.45901Durham County CouncilCouncilLow (1-50 tonnes)17.595£89000Yes32
94Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE18Council estate - building manager trainingTracy MillmoreImprove understanding of energy management responsibilities with building managers. Energy teams within Low Carbon Team to work with managers of council buildings with heating plans, BMS controls on systems and guidance on how to manage buildings gas, electric and water to save energy usage and costs.
,Teams channel created. 4 sessions delivered per year,Early Concept/Scoping,On Track,A step 5 engagement plan has been created to work with buildings managers including leisure centres. Senior carbon energy officer is visiting sites monthly to support buildings with their energy management. Picking up faults on sites and working ways to improve usage and benefits to the site. Regular meetings with Managers of buildings over teams to show monitoring data and work plans with building and facilities management teams. ,46477,Durham County Council,,Council,0 Enabling or Adaptation Action,,, N/A ,No,,,,1,2,
92Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE16Council estate - Top 30 Building Energy Management SystemsDavid WalkerIncrease proportion of top 30 sites covered by Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS)To achieve an increase in line with budget availabilityDeliverOn TrackAll sites on top 30 list have some form of BEMS on site and there is a split between functional - functional but require software update - functional but locked out. Maintenance is carried out yearly on all Service Level Agreement sites with BEMS and issues reported back via compliance and Property Help Desk. Not all works under taken due to budget issues. Work is being done to regain control of sites where we are locked out of the BEMS. 46477Durham County CouncilCouncilLow (1-50 tonnes)£500,000No32
87Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE11Council Estate - Investigate use of products to improve the thermal efficiency of heating systemsDavid WalkerInvestigate products that can be added to heating systems to improve thermal transfer efficiency and reduce power use of pumps by reduced friction. Increasing its use is being assessed on a site by site basic where sites have been identified for energy efficiency improvements.To increase use of this product at all appropriate sites. Define/PlanOn TrackThis product has been rolled out at 3 sites following case studies. These are Crook Civic, Durham Town Hall and Seaham St John's Contact Centre.46477Durham County CouncilCouncilLow (1-50 tonnes)To be determinedNo22
81Energy and BuildingsBusiness Energy Efficiency E6Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP)Lawrence CallenderContinue to offer energy advice business support through the Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP)100 audits per yearDeliverSlightly Off TrackDelivered 75/100 bespoke energy audits and reports for the Durham Business Growth Fund. Slightly behind due to delayed recruitment and start. Continuing on to deliver under phase 2. Also see attached action relating to Durham Business Growth Plans (DBGP) decarbonation plans. 46112Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)184£60,000 Yes1-30031
101Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE25Council estate - Hackworth Depot wind projectRichard BramfittDevelopment of 4 Small wind turbines at Hackworth Road Depot4 turbines to be installedDefine/PlanOff Track, Action NeededPlanning permission granted and electrical design is complete. However, project is currently on hold due to financial constraints.46477Durham County CouncilCouncilLow (1-50 tonnes)£180,000No20
93Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE17Council estate - Building Energy Management SystemsDavid WalkerDevelop integrated Building Energy Management System (BEMS) across DCC portfolio4 upgrades/installs per yearDeliverOn TrackBEMS Contract awarded until 2029. Upgrades/installs have been completed at the Story, Corten House and the following Leisure Centres: Abbey, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee and Teesdale. Aycliffe Secure Centre, and Louisa Centre will be complete in 2025.
Further roll out of BEMS remote monitoring installations and upgrades have been affected by IT and procurement limitations (this is an ongoing issue which we are trying to address)."47209Durham County CouncilCouncilLow (1-50 tonnes)£130,000 (2025-26)Yes32
90Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE14Surveying - Top 10 carbon emitting buildingsTracy MillmoreCarry out surveys and heating decarbonisation plans at the remaining significant carbon emitting facilities.
Freemans Quay LC
Spennymoor LC
Green Lane Offices
Hackworth Road Depot
Chilton Depot
Durham Gala"5 surveys completeEarly Concept/ScopingOn TrackWe are currently conducting feasibility studies on our sites where work can be improved to decarbonise heat in the buildings. We have a list of top 20 buildings which are the highest emitter buildings. Surveys at sites will provide details that can support the energy consumption as well as the energy costs. We are working internally with our building and facilities management teams. This also prepares Durham County Council for grant funding options that may arise. 45961Durham County CouncilCouncil0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£30,000No12
99Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationE23Council estate - solar car port projectLouise AustinDesigns of solar car ports across 5 sites, this should be complete August 2025 with the view of feasibility to install to be considered following.5 sites in totalEarly Concept/ScopingSlightly Off TrackDetailed designs for 5 sites are currently being developed.46477Durham County CouncilCouncilHigh (>200 - 500 tonnes)£10,000,000No11
83Energy and BuildingsCommunity energy efficiencyE7Community Building Advice and Financial SupportKate Burrows & Fiona Christian Durham Community Action (DCA) aims to provide 50 community buildings with in-depth case work and provide capital grant funding to 10 of those buildings to support their transition to net zero. 10 community buildings in receipt of grant fundingDeliverOn TrackBy March 2025 12 community buildings received capital funding for energy efficiency measures. 6 community buildings received funding for specialist advice to help address barriers to development i.e. legal advice, architects fees, feasibility studies. Supported volunteers running 157 community spaces to progress their net zero transition through building confidence, capacity and skills. 4 community buildings became part of our innovation project to extrapolate key themes around charity and property law with a focus on tenure, leases, and land registry, outlining pathways to resolution and shaping learning resources for other community buildings to help them navigate those challenges. In March 2025 we produced Community Buildings: A Guide to Property Ownership and Leases which aims to support trustees running community buildings to navigate complex property issues. https://www.durhamcommunityaction.org.uk/new-guide-launched-to-support-community-groups-managing-community-buildings
DCA continues to work with community buildings to support their capacity building and attract further support for capital improvements."46477Durham Community ActionCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes) £300,000 (capital grants) The National Lottery Community Fund: Reaching Communities Yes1-30032
84Energy and BuildingsCommunity energy efficiencyE8Community Building ManagementKate Burrows & Fiona ChristianDurham Community Action (DCA) will continue to work alongside Durham County Council’s Business Energy Efficient Project (BEEP) and Low Carbon team to provide support to those responsible for the management of community buildings to reduce their carbon footprint and help to make their buildings more energy efficient.20 community buildings auditedDeliverOn Track53 BEEP audits were carried out on community buildings across County Durham: 27 of these have now had Community Buildings Energy Efficiency Grants awarded of approximately £5,000 each . DCA will continue to work alongside DCC's Low Carbon Team to support reduction of the carbon footprint of community buildings e.g. delivery of our Community Buildings Emergency Response Survey, designed in partnership with DCC, to assess emergency preparedness including power and energy preparedness. This fed into Civil Contingency Unit actions, providing deeper insight into energy efficiency needs of community buildings. 46477Durham Community ActionCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)£8,000Yes1-30032
113Energy and BuildingsHeat NetworksE37Heat network feasibility studyEllie GrimesCarry out a heat network potential study to identify 5 areas, at least, where heat networks could work in County Durham5 areas listed, at least 5 maps producedCompleteCompletedThis study is now complete and the 5 areas were submitted to the Heat Networks Distribution Unit for feasibility funding. 2 of which were successful and will complete Techno-economic Feasibility in March 25 for Durham City and Newton Aycliffe. 45413Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£55,000Yes04
145AdaptationHealth ResilienceA16Improved Scenario PlanningMichael FlemingContinue to develop public health intelligence and vulnerability data to enable partners to use the indicators to assist forecasting, scenario planning, targeted interventions and rapid deployment of emergency resources.Use of PH dashboards and Durham Index of Need (DIoN)DeliverOn TrackPublic health intelligence and vulnerability data updated and supporting the deployment of resources for winter planning via Durham Index of need (DiON) data.
Training and raising awareness sessions to increase use of DiON to be delivered throughout 2025."46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0Yes032
133AdaptationAdverse Weather PlansA4Adverse Weather Health PlanSean BarryKeep Adverse Weather Protecting Health plan updated annually Plan updated annually - 1 plan delivering action cards for 12 sections of Durham County CouncilDeliverOn TrackLocal Adverse Weather Protecting Health Plan updated in Oct 2024 will be revised again by June 2025 with new additions to Flood health risks. All action cards up to date. Summer Health Alerts begin 01 June 2025.46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0Yes032
115Energy and BuildingsHeat NetworksE39Community renewable energy and heat supportEllie GrimesSupport groups to develop community led and focussed renewable energy and heat schemes through a community wealth building approach by providing advice and support. At least 4 community energy engagement sessions per yearEarly Concept/ScopingOn TrackWorking with North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub and Durham Community Action to promote opportunities. New team member is focussing on development of support for such groups via the soon to be convened Community Energy Countywide Advisory Group46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action N/A No012
143AdaptationHealth ResilienceA14Air Quality InformationSean BarryWork with health colleagues from NHS and Integrated Care Board (ICB) across asthma and respiratory networks to establish routine information on local air quality and mitigating actionsAir quality information available on DCC website and advice provided to vulnerable people. DeliverOn TrackUpdated content for Air Quality and Health publish on DCC website www.durham.gov.uk/article/17613/Air-pollution-your-health-and-what-you-can-do
14 respiratory hubs supported by ICB supporting winter health response. "46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0Yes032
215Natural EnvironmentPlanning for NatureN34Biodiversity Supplementary Planning DocumentClaire BradleyAdopt and promote Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The action plan is a key reporting tool against our strengthened biodiversity duty under the Environment Act 2021. The council must report against the biodiversity duty, and this SPD is a deliverable action that complies with this duty.Adoption March 2025CompleteCompletedAdopted.
https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/7444/Development-Plan-supporting-documents "45777Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/ANo04
117Energy and BuildingsHeat NetworksE41Horden Minewater ProjectEllie GrimesComplete and assess the Detailed Project Development (DPD) stage for the Horden minewater project. 1 report, 2 workshops held and engagement sessions held throughout CompleteCompletedDPD has now concluded, we are assessing next steps with the community. 3 studies are ongoing via the Community Energy Fund to unlock on site/close by renewable energy which is necessary to make this project financially viable- this is being led by the East Durham Trust 45473Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£189,000Yes04
137AdaptationAdverse Weather PlansA8Partnership Resilience PlansSean BarryWork with NHS / Integrated Care Board (ICB) / Social Care partners to support resilience plans of local health services to environmental threats.Reduced pressure on services during winter and summer seasonsDeliverOn TrackFormal Winter Planning Group in place, meets throughout winter season and can be convened by exception for summer.
County Durham Seasonal System Planning and Resilience Framework developed and implemented."46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0Yes032
144AdaptationHealth ResilienceA15Indoor Air QualitySean BarryWork with a range of DCC services and partners to develop actions to raise awareness and reduce indoor air pollutants from Domestic heating, including burning of solid fuels. Cooking habits. Damp and mould – warmer homes.
Poor ventilation."N/ADeliverOn TrackActions will be developed by the Corporate Air Quality Steering Group.46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0Yes032
146AdaptationHealth ResilienceA17Tropical Infectious Disease PreventionSean BarryProtecting health from the spread of tropical infectious diseases - Work with regional UK Health Security Agency (HSA) Health Protection colleagues and National Climate Change experts to develop local frameworks and actions to reduce the spread of vector borne infectious diseases.Local framework in placeDeliverOn TrackRegional work on climate change and vector borne disease on UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) work plan. Pathway to any proposed regional actions through
UKHSA representation on local Health Protection Assurance and Development Partnership. "46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0Yes032
120Energy and BuildingsPlanning and New DevelopmentE44Local and Regional Area Energy PlansEllie GrimesDevelop local and feed into regional area energy plans with partners.Reports developedEarly Concept/ScopingOn TrackWe are bringing together a project board to maximise funding and capacity and assess all options and pros and cons.46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action TBC No012
163Waste and ResourcesResource UseW17Investors in the Environment AccreditationStephen Beresford, Nadia WetherellWork to measure, monitor and reduce the Council’s environmental impacts. Maintain our Investors in the Environment Green accreditation through annual audit. Deliver projects associated with this to lower the council's environmental impactGreen StandardDeliverOn Track2024 Green Award retained. DCC also won the Best Carbon Reduction category in the annual IIE awards. The Council have published a report setting out our environmental priorities for 2025. This can be found here: https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/46517/Annual-Sustainability-Spotlight-Report-2024/pdf/AnnualSustainabilitySpotlightReport2024.pdf?m=1744798352497
,46477,Durham County Council,,Both,Low (1-50 tonnes),Low (1-300 tonnes),,£10000"Yes1-30032
138AdaptationAdverse Weather PlansA9Service level Risk AssessmentsStephen McDonaldEnsure services review risks against increased climate extremesRisk Assessments completedEarly Concept/ScopingOn TrackBriefing note complete for senior mangers. Steering group in place. Developing next steps46108Durham County CouncilCouncil0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0No12
122Energy and BuildingsPlanning and New DevelopmentE46Planning - Local Development PlanMike AllumAny new Local Plan update should prioritise climate change mitigation policy including provision for local renewable electricity.Early Concept/ScopingOn TrackOn 12th March 2025 Cabinet gave approval to start the process of reviewing the County Durham Plan. Scoping, evidence gathering and early internal engagement commencing.46873Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action N/A No012
156Waste and ResourcesSupply Chain Carbon EmissionsW10Scope 3 Carbon EmissionsStephen BeresfordDevelop process for collecting additional Scope 3 emissions from contracts.
Implement tool and process to track and monitor Scope 3 emissions from contracts. Initially likely to be based on spend by category but with the intention of integrating and expanding company specific emissions as it evolves."Baseline established by Feb 2025DeliverSlightly Off TrackAlmost all data has been collected, inputted and converted to a carbon footprint. One major emission source is still outstanding but will be included soon. Project will report findings to Net Zero Board shortly afterwards.45747Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionTBCYes031
134AdaptationAdverse Weather PlansA5Heat Related Awareness CampaignSean BarryBuild further robust actions into local adverse weather protecting health plan to combat heat related ill-health including a public social marketing campaign to raise awareness of heat-related illnesses, heat stress, heat stroke and respiratory distress in susceptible individuals.Identification of heat-related illness and respiratory cohort. Social Marketing Campaign developed and deliveredDeliverOn TrackHeat related ill-health vulnerabilities identified and listed in the Adverse Weather Protecting Health Plan. Staying cool - heatwave advice included in Public Health Communication Plan.46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action5000Yes032
114Energy and BuildingsHeat NetworksE38Heat Network StrategyEllie GrimesDevelop a heat network strategy for decarbonisation of heat across heat network zones Completion and adoption and implementation of strategy by the Council.CompleteCompletedOngoing delivery of strategy used to guide our work45444Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action280000No04
328Waste and ResourcesResource UseW30Rainwater HarvestingChris JonesDevelop technical design to utilise rainwater capture that would supply the water requirements for the plant nurseries, toilets and vehicle jet wash bays at Morrison Busty DepotNot applicableEarly Concept/ScopingSlightly Off TrackDesign has been developed up to developed design and we have calculated that the rain harvesting system would reduce mains water consumption within the depot by 66% and via a computerised automated system it will alleviate flood risk in nearby Tanfield. The Council have been working closely with Northumbrian Water Limited (NWL) innervation team over the past months and we should obtain their grant fund offer against the project this week which will be added to the current forecasted mains water saving of £12,000 to allow an invest to save bid to be submitted.
This project will be the first of its kind in the world with NWL wanting to produce a case study that will go towards a planning policy change that would lead the way to harvesting rainwater utilising its benefits helping to elevate flooding in towns/cities and reduce water treatment costs which again will show case DCC as being the first to implement this system and prove its potential to the biggest problem NWL and the wider country are trying to resolve.
,46052,Durham County Council,,Council,0 Enabling or Adaptation Action,,,£188344 (partial grant funded)"Yes11
329Natural EnvironmentPeatN31Sphagnum Moss ProductionChris JonesDesign and deliver a specialist irrigation system to grow the sphagnum moss at the Council's nursery that is required by the North Pennines Peatland Programme for peatland restoration workNot applicableDefine/PlanSlightly Off TrackThis is now fully designed and is with Buildings & Facilities Management for costing with a planned start based on final costs being within budget being from late June and if the project proves concept it could move to around a 700% increase in year two.
The Council have already got confirmation that we can sell everything we can grow and going forward this has the potential of saving the council the £220k spent annually on this product with the proof of concept and increased production having the potential to increase employment within the Horticultural Nursery. "45898Durham County Council0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£46,000Yes021
331EngagementADAM TEST IGNORETestadam h0http://bbc.co.uk/
119Energy and BuildingsPlanning and New DevelopmentE43Durham University - policy approach to new buildings heating Tom BrayEnsure new buildings are built and designed without connection to fossil fuels for heating and hot water through our building services design guide that outlines that fossil fuels will not be used for heating or hot water generationn/aCompleteCompletedNew buildings will not be built with a gas connection45782Durham UniversityCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action N/A No04
128Energy and BuildingsElectricity network E52Northern Power Grid's Flexibility ServiceLizzie BoyesTo help address constraints on the network, enable a significant uptake of customer Flexibility and facilitate development of new markets for customers providing services to the network. NPG's autumn 2023 Flexibility Service providers tender round sought service providers in Stanley (DH9 9) and Chester-Le-Street (DH3 1). Further locations in County Durham can be anticipated in future tender rounds.Amount of flexibility contracted (MW) in County DurhamDeliverOn TrackFurther tenders continue. The summer 2025 tender round includes the feeding area of Lime Street substation to the south east of Stanley46843Northern PowerGridCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action Not provided Yes032
129Energy and BuildingsElectricity network E53Network improvements to support low carbon technologyLizzie BoyesEfficiently put the network in a position to support low carbon technology uptake and ensure all credible decarbonisation scenarios in our region remain open for delivering net zero by 2050 or soonerEmissions reduction by 2050Define/PlanOn TrackNorthern Powergrid have been making iterative improvements to our forecasts including through finding ways to better reflect local plans and ambitions. This work feeds into Network Intervention Planning and will inform the business plan for ED3 (Electricity Distribution Price Control period 3 April 2028 - March 2033). 46843Northern PowerGridCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action Not provided Yes022
340Energy and BuildingsCouncil Estate DecarbonisationCouncil estate - installation of solar PV on Peterlee PathwaysLouise AustinInstall 48kWp of solar PV on Peterlee Pathways48kWp of solar PV installedCompleteCompletedThis project is successfully complete. Savings of 47032kWh will be seen.45778Durham County CouncilCouncilLow (1-50 tonnes)9.444000Yes4
105Energy and BuildingsPartner Estate DecarbonisationE29Durham University - project specificationTom BrayPlans for building refurbishment to involve introducing energy efficiency methods/equipment by embedding a sustainability ambition statement as a key document in project specification outlining the opportunity for energy efficiency at each project. Overall reduction in energy demandCompleteOn TrackBuilding refurbishment will improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions46112Durham UniversityCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action N/A No042
118Energy and BuildingsHeat NetworksE42Durham University - heat decarbonisation strategyTom BrayWork to develop a heat decarbonisation strategy to reduce emissions linked to heat at the University and implement the plan by Summer 2024 to reduce emissions linked to heat by 70% over next 10 years. 70% reduction in heat emissionsEarly Concept/ScopingOn TrackHeat decarbonisation strategy developed to concept stage, discussion on next steps underway for University estate, if taken forward, project would run to 2035.
As of summer 2025 discussions are still underway and no further progress to report."49399Durham UniversityCountywideV High (> 1,000 tonnes)Up to 7,000 tCO2 Unknown No100112
228Transport and ConnectivityBroadbandT12Digital Durham - Project Gigabit: vouchersAlli WalkerProject Gigabit - Voucher scheme: Enables gigabit-capable connectivity to be deployed to rural communities using voucher funding. Government UK targets: 85% by end 2025 (measure taken March 2026); 99% by 2032DeliverOn TrackSeveral provider led voucher projects are in progress with Openreach and Fusion Fibre. These projects aim to bring about gigabit capable broadband to the rural hard-to-reach communities. New projects will look to be developed with providers and communities once government department Building Digital UK identifies where any remaining gaps are. This data is linked to the two Project Gigabit contracts noted under references T13 and T14.48579UK Government (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)Countywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action £1.5m Yes032
229Transport and ConnectivityBroadbandT13Digital Durham - Project Gigabit: Teesdale ContractAlli WalkerProject Gigabit - Teesdale contract: More than 4,000 homes and businesses in Teesdale set to benefit from gigabit-capable broadband delivery. Government UK targets: 85% by end 2025 (measure taken March 2026); minimum 99% by 2032DeliverOn TrackJust over 3,500 homes and businesses in rural Teesdale now have access to full fibre broadband capable of providing speeds in excess of 1,000 Megabits per second (Mbps) as a result of a Government subsidised Project Gigabit contract with GoFibre. An additional 2,300 properties have also benefit commercially from GoFibre bringing the total to 6,800 premises. A contract extension has been secured which will see further rural County Durham communities benefit from Project Gigabit. This includes communities like Ovington that will get access to fast and reliable full fibre services, that will see available speeds jump from less than 2 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. 45930UK Government (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)Countywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action £6.6m (government funding) - subject to change Yes032
178Natural EnvironmentNature Recovery N3Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)Stuart PriestleyProduce a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for County Durham which will agree priorities for recovery and in doing so will help to identify suitable locations for tree planting and species type, natural flood alleviation/ adaptation measures etc. Strategy producedDefine/PlanOn TrackPriorities and Measures going out for light touch consultation. Natural England agreement of opportunities mapping is progressing, already met with specialist leads for woodland and the others will happen later in the year. One final consultation stage after this before adoption of LNRS in spring 202646112Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£0 (funding provided)Yes022
183Natural EnvironmentCouncil Owned Land ManagementN8Nature Management Plan DeliveryDarryl Cox, Lindsay ArcherProduce and deliver effective site management plans for higher value nature conservation sites including species rich grassland, ancient woodland, secondary woodland, mosaic habitats (grassland, scrub), wetlands, and heathland. Including 6 x Sites of Special Scientific Interest. 20 Local Wildlife Sites per annum (6 SSSIs)DeliverOn TrackAll of County Durham's Local Wildlife Sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest have management plans in place. As with all of these measures, delivery is dependent on available resource.46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionSignificant Officer Time and approx. 80,000 per annumYes032
184Natural EnvironmentCouncil Owned Land ManagementN9Staff ResourcesDarryl Cox, Lindsay ArcherIncrease positive management of Local Nature Reserves and Local Wildlife Sites across the county (through 2 x funded Nature Reserve Officers) - fulfilling further conservation and biodiversity aims, nature recovery, increasing community cohesion, and reducing ASB, etc. 20 Local Wildlife Sites per annumDeliverOn TrackPositive management of Local Nature Reserves and Local Wildlife Sites continues to be undertaken across the county using allocated resources. 46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionSignificant Officer Time across site management and programming teams and approx. 20,000 per annumYes032
192Natural EnvironmentCouncil Owned Land ManagementN12Volunteering OpportunitiesDarryl Cox, Lindsay ArcherDevelop health and wellbeing opportunities (1500 per year) across the Parks and Countryside Estate including the range of volunteering opportunities on offer, and more targeted activities for students, young people and corporate groups. Continue to provide effective community programming for health (i.e.. guided walks), strengthen connections to colleagues in public health and promote the importance of links between climate change, health and wellbeing. 1,500 per annum.DeliverOn TrackComprehensive and good quality community events programme delivered across Parks and Countryside. Events and workshops have continued to help communities connect to their local green spaces and have promoted awareness of the H&W benefits of spending time outside in the countryside. Delivered topics related to local wildlife, environmental protection, and local heritage. Volunteering opportunities continue to be delivered and developed attracting a wide range of different people. 46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionAs aboveYes032
185Natural EnvironmentCouncil Owned Land ManagementN10Outreach ProgrammeDarryl Cox, Lindsay ArcherDevelop and deliver extensive education and learning programmes, (achieving 5000 engagements per annum) across the Parks and Countryside Estate and as well as wider venues/audiences through outreach activities - deliver core messages relating to climate change, sustainability and nature-based solutions. 5000 engagements per annum.DeliverOn TrackThis continues to be a successful programme with audience engagement levels on track. Education programmes continue to provide invaluable experiences, knowledge and skills development for children and young people of all ages. Key themes of climate change, the importance of the outdoors, sustainability and natural solutions continue to be communicated through both formal and informal learning opportunities. 46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£108,000 (Temporary Officer Time)Yes032
186Natural EnvironmentCouncil Owned Land ManagementN11Harder to Reach GroupsDarryl Cox, Lindsay ArcherStrengthen community understanding of key topics - increase local connections to green spaces and sense of ownership. Connect with harder to reach groups, encouraging them into the countryside using the Parks and Countryside Estate for engagement work, specialist projects, and community outreach activities. Develop wider partnerships and linkages with local Members, AAPs, landscape partners and others, whilst supporting national environmental campaigns and initiatives. 300 engagements per annum across 6 x partnership projects.DeliverOn TrackStrong community programme of events and activities delivered, many linking to national initiatives for protecting green spaces. Targeted programmes for hard to reach groups across the county continue to be developed and delivered to increase sense of ownership and local connections. Partnerships with local community groups in place, alongside linkages with local members, local networks and wider partners. 46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionAs aboveYes032
207Natural EnvironmentBlue CarbonN26Kelp ResearchAlex Kaars SijpesteijnStrengthen research on the contribution of north east kelp to carbon sequestration by completing the analysis of core samples by 2025 to provide a bigger dataset (initial delay due to adverse weather). 100% of core samples analysedCompleteCompletedThe MSc student's work is complete and dissertation submitted, titled 'Quantifying the contribution of NE English kelp forests to Blue Carbon ecosystem services'. A new way to identify DNA in the kelp had to be developed. Findings suggest that sediment particle size could be a key determinant of whether marine sediments sequester coastal carbon. Little carbon was found in core especially when compared to other habitats such as mangroves, seagrass and salt marshes. Core sampling analysis should have completed by June 2025, providing further insight into the role of nearshore habitats. Expected completion date refers to earlier, related project.44936Heritage Coast PartnershipCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionNot currently verifiable. Potential carbon burial by UK kelp forest of 147t CO2e/km2/yearYes04
209Natural EnvironmentBlue CarbonN28Natural Capital AssessmentStronger Shores Manager - TBCUndertake a natural capital assessment of the North East coast to help determine where best to undertake marine habitat conservation by March 27. Production of a Flood and Coastal Risk Erosion Natural Capital Asset and Risk Register for the Northeast coastline. This will collate all existing data on the extent, condition and spatial configuration of these selected assets (kelp, seagrass, native oyster habitat suitability) within the region. Natural capital accounts will be established for sub-tidal kelp, seagrass and native oyster, highlighting range and value (monetary and non-monetary) of the ‘stacked’ benefits of coastal restoration. Summer '24: Asset and Risk Register. March '27 Natural Capital Accounts. DeliverOn TrackReports 1 and 2 received Aug 2024 provided a baseline, identifying current state of natural capital in Stronger Shores pilot sites and the wider North East coastal region, report 2 analysed indicator data on flows of ecosystem services and benefits and identified risks to existing natural capital assets and so NbS projects and resulting risks to flows of ecosystem service benefits.
Report 3 received 17 Jan 2025: aligned the evidence in the natural capital repots with the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) appraisal guidance steps identifying where and how it can be applied and also critically reviewing the indicator data applied and identifying where strong robust data exist but also where there are gaps (many of which we hope can be addressed by PhD projects the social value work and partner collaboration).
June 2025 - No further update provided"46447Stronger ShoresCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£230,000Yes032
208Natural EnvironmentBlue CarbonN27Water and Wellbeing ProjectAlex Kaars SijpesteijnA new ‘Water and Wellbeing Warden’ post, complementing and building on existing work with partners, will work across both Castle Eden Dene & Teesmouth National Nature Reserves (NNRs). The post will ensure that the local environment, site facilities and engagement events offer a safe and positive welcome for visitors, whilst encouraging responsible use of these two important nature sites on the North East coast for people
and wildlife.
,None specifically set,Deliver,On Track,On going work with volunteers new and old at the sites; new volunteering opportunities; improving interpretation; public engagement events; green social prescribing with Rise North East and NE; Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) management; tree planting; dunes management at Teesmouth"46082Heritage Coast PartnershipCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£124,000Yes032
210Natural EnvironmentBlue CarbonN29Marine HubStronger Shores ManagerInvestigate the feasibility of developing a marine restoration hub in Seaham. A feasibility study outlining options, costs, benefits, risks. Steering group in place to take forward. Production of a feasibility report and action plan.Define/PlanOff Track, Action NeededStudy on hold pending wider Stronger Shores legacy discussions including a budget review for the Stronger Shores Toolkit. Project board meeting on 22 Jan 2025 to agree action.
June 2025 - Marine hub on pause due to limited capacity and other priorities."45627Stronger ShoresCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£25,000No020
211Natural EnvironmentBlue CarbonN30Blue Carbon AwarenessStronger Shores ManagerUndertake a series of community engagement and school events - likely to focus on Seaham in connection to the kelp farm. Ongoing engagement work DeliverOn TrackEducation packs launched, rolling out per area. Durham schools later in 2025/26.
360 people engaged to date in Durham events.
This number will increase in 2025 and 2026 as sessions are planned in to continue some SeaScapes activity such as Shoresearch and to support the Grasslands project (Michael Burn).
Kelp units scheduled to be deployed very early Feb and March. Project planned with East Durham Artists Network to engage the community in this. Opportunities for paying small sums of research funding to local producers in how they can incorporate kelp into their products being considered.
June update:
The East Durham Artist's Network (EDAN) group project is progressing in Seaham - To date we have done 2x sessions with them and they have now established a working group who will be progressing this going forward with my assistance. There has been a great response from the EDAN group with regards to this work. Current focus for school workshops is North Tyneside and Northumberland progressing to Durham later in the year after having recently completed a number of visits to schools within South Tyneside. A colleague at Tees Valley Trust focusses upon Hartlepool and Redcar. "46447Stronger ShoresCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£75,000 (approx.)Yes032
299Agriculture & Sustainable FoodKnowledge SharingF10Food EducationAlice Evans Living Soils is a project working in conjunction with Durham University to increase knowledge, understanding and curiosity about soil. The project will work 5 primary schools over a period of 4 years to embed soil learning into the curriculum and help children understand the greater ecological importance of soil. We will also involve a secondary school that the 5 primary's feed into as a baseline assessment of soil knowledge.Four year project funded by the Royal Society, working with Durham University to engage 5 primary and 1 secondary school. To improve knowledge and understanding of soils.DeliverOn TrackSchools involved; Hartside Academy, Howden le Wear, Witton le Wear, Moorside, Wolsingham Primary and Wolsingham Academy. x 3 sessions per class have been delivered in the spring/summer term within Year 1 (2023/24) with the Y3 and Y5's. Delivery of Year 2 (2024/25) has begun with the now Y4 and Y6's and will be complete before the end of term. Y7s from Wolsingham Academy visited Botanic Gardens in year 1 after completing their baseline survey. 46538OASES, Durham UniversityCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)Approx £40,000Yes1-30032
303Agriculture & Sustainable FoodFood and Farming Project developmentF14Food benchmarkingKelly Rose, Lucy ChapmanThe council will engage and complete the annual regional good food Local NE benchmarking and audit to identify policy gaps and drive local development.Annual completion of the benchmarking / audit tool.DeliverOn TrackBenchmarking completed Mach 2024 - https://www.sustainweb.org/good-food-local/north-east/
Benchmarking completed May 2025 - https://www.sustainweb.org/good-food-local/map/?theme=6&area=&nat=0&natname=All%20areas
,46477,Durham County Council ,,Countywide,,0 Enabling or Adaptation Action,,N/A,No,,,0,3,2,
165Waste and ResourcesResource UseW19Internal Recycling SystemsMark Lee, Stephen BeresfordMore, better recycling and composting in council properties. Including office furniture re-homing & re-use scheme. Develop waste management plans for key strategic sites and incorporate monitoring100% of strategic sites to have a plan and monitoring in placeEarly Concept/ScopingOn TrackWill look to integrate this work with the incoming Food Waste collections which started 1st April 2025.46477Durham County CouncilCouncil0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionTBCYes12
124Energy and BuildingsPlanning and New DevelopmentE48Planning - Historic Environment Supplementary Planning DocumentMike AllumAdopt and promote Energy Efficiency, Renewables and Historic Environment Supplementary Planning DocumentAdoption April 2025CompleteCompletedAdopted. 45777Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action N/A Not Applicable04
123Energy and BuildingsPlanning and New DevelopmentE47Planning - Solar Energy Supplementary Planning DocumentMike AllumAdopt and promote Solar Energy Supplementary Planning DocumentAdoption July 2024CompleteCompletedAdopted. 45504Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action N/A Not Applicable04
79Energy and BuildingsDomestic Energy EfficiencyE4Eco Flex ApplicationsTrudy LindsayECO (Energy Company Obligation) Flex applications to be verified by Durham County Council on behalf of OFGEM. Applications from private households to be assessed for financial eligibility and processed. Measures include, Renewable heating, solar PV and insulation60 applications processed per monthDeliverOn TrackWork ongoing, 1125 applications received from 1st April 2024 to end December 2024. 1030 of these applications processed from April 2024 to end December 2024. Average of 114 per month. 430 applications received from 1st Jan 2025 to date (25/06/2025). 317 applications approved from 1st Jan 2025 to date (25/06/2025). 46112Durham County Council & OFGEMCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes)£80,000Yes301-60032
214Natural EnvironmentPlanning for NatureN33Trees and Woodlands Supplementary Planning DocumentClaire BradleyAdopt and promote Trees, Woodlands and Hedges Supplementary Planning DocumentAdoption March 2024CompleteCompletedAdopted.45382Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/ANot Applicable04
80Energy and BuildingsDomestic Energy EfficiencyE5Householder Energy Efficiency AdviceTrudy LindsayCo-ordinated programme of Energy efficiency advice across the Combined Authority and specifically in County Durham (Lead Project). 140 households given adviceDeliverOn Track
Update 26/06/25.
April to June performance -
One stop shop - Number of unique households receiving support =78
One stop shop - Households supported to take up energy efficiency measures = 52
LEAD - Number of people provided with in-person advice = 24
LEAD - Number of households with retrofit measures installed following advice = 0
LEAD - Number of households with small energy efficiency efficiency measures installed following advice = 9"46112Durham County Council and NECACountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)£100,000Yes1-30032
220Transport and ConnectivityTransport Policy and Air Quality ProjectsT5Sustainable Transport Policy Implementation Peter Ollivere, James CookImpose conditions that comply with the provision of Policy 21 (Delivering Sustainable Transport) of the County Durham Plan. (Links with Air Quality Action Plan No 15)100% of planning applications compliant with policyCompleteSlightly Off TrackHave not achieved 100% compliance with County Durham Plan Policy 21 due to one appeal, out of three, being allowed. The Inspector found that the proposals would not undermine the aims of Policy 21, despite the council arguing on the contrary. 46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£50,000Yes041
219Transport and ConnectivityTransport Policy and Air Quality ProjectsT4Air Quality Public Awareness Campaign Peter Ollivere, James CookTo raise awareness of air quality by undertaking a campaign that will integrate with and will involve other campaigns elsewhere in the Council to improve air quality. (Links with Air Quality Action Plan No 16)Number of campaigns delivered and improved air qualityDeliverOn TrackA web page on simple ways to help reduce air pollution is available on the Durham Council website detailing 10
measures which can benefit air quality. An air quality campaign was progressed in collaboration with the Living Streets initiative to support alternative modes of travel in preference to the use of private motor vehicles. In addition E Vents to raise awareness of air quality were held as part of the annual Clean Air Day. The web page detailing ways to reduce air pollution can be found here:
www.durham.gov.uk/airquality"46391Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£50,000No032
149Waste and ResourcesSustainable ProcurementW3Procurement Act / NPPS ComplianceRichard CarrollEnsure that carbon and the wider sustainability agenda is embedded into our work in line with the Procurement Act 2023. Consider potential opportunities due to new legislations being passed that should allow the council to give greater weight to non-economic factors such as climate change and social value considering the implications of the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS).100% ComplianceCompleteCompletedProcurement Act 23 and NPPS now live. DCC procurement practices fully comply with the new national requirements. 46477Durham County CouncilBoth0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionBAUNo04
150Waste and ResourcesSustainable ProcurementW4Carbon and Environmental Benefits in ProcurementRichard Carroll, Stephen BeresfordUsing partnerships and projects such as the County Durham Pound Project (local), North East Procurement Organisation (regional) and the National Social Value Task and the Local Government Association (national) to deliver carbon and environmental benefits in procurement.
Continue involvement and influence through projects and partnerships demonstrating how DCC is already working to embed the wider social value and environmental benefits of more modern working. "N/ADeliverOn TrackUtilising County Durham Pound Project continues to drive messages across Social Value with CDP influence growing. DCC plays a national role across a number of groups of influence and is seen as a industry leader in social value (including environmental impact considerations).
Work continues with major projects and conversations as part of the Joint Venture Partnership at Aykley Heads are planned for Q2 of 2025."46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£0No032
151Waste and ResourcesSustainable ProcurementW5Outcome ReportingRichard Carroll, Stephen BeresfordReport on environmental and carbon outcomes resulting from implementation of national Themes Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) to feed into the Council's Investors in the Environment (IiE) audit.N/ADeliverOn TrackInvestors in the Environment (IiE) audit will be in September/October. Work continues to identify environmental / carbon impacts as a BAU process, information will be available for consideration by IiE when required.46112Durham County CouncilCouncil0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£0No32
152Waste and ResourcesSustainable ProcurementW6Process ReviewRichard Carroll, Stephen BeresfordReview process for checking compliance with our equivalent of Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21 requiring large contractors to have a carbon target and plan. 100% Companies complyingDefine/PlanOn TrackInitial scoping exercise began. Further investigation ongoing. Carbon Reduction Plan question now included in procurement documents as standard. Work needs to continue on monitoring key suppliers for major projects. Consideration of requirements ongoing relating to National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) and DCC Social Value Strategy.46112Durham County CouncilBothLow (1-50 tonnes)0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£0No022
201Natural EnvironmentWoodland and Hedgerow Creation, Planting and ManagementN20Thonley WoodlandSue MullingerTransfer of land to the Woodland Trust at Thornley to enable 32ha of woodland creation80 hectares to be planted overall as part of Durham Woodland RevivalDeliverSlightly Off TrackDelayed due to adjacent housing development and issue over easement. Still in progress, land transfer to be agreed with the Woodland Trust46023Durham County CouncilCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes)14.5 x 32ha = 464 tonnes per year for 30 years on completion of planting.£0Not Applicable301-60031
202Natural EnvironmentWoodland and Hedgerow Creation, Planting and ManagementN21Urban TreesSue MullingerPlant 450 large standard trees in the 2023/24 planting season and 450 large standard trees in the 2024/25 planting season as part of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund. (Since 2020 3,000 large standard trees have been planted). 450 large standard trees to be planted over 2024/5. ongoing maintenance obligations until 2028CompleteOn TrackComplete, maintenance ongoing.47057Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)£1.5mYes1-30042
221Transport and ConnectivityTransport Policy and Air Quality ProjectsT6Air Quality Screening and Assessments Peter Ollivere, James CookThe establishment of the current Air Quality and Planning Guidance Note as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This sets out the requirement on developers when proposing new development within the city and its environs set out in the emerging Local Plan.(Links with Air Quality Action Plan No 14)100% of planning applications compliant with policyDeliverOn TrackThis note has been updated to reflect the latest Environmental Protection (UK) and Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) Guidance: Planning for Air Quality (January 2017). The progression of this is dependent on the adoption of the County Durham Plan as a Supplementary Planning Document (S P D) will be dependent on policies
within the Plan. The Plan was adopted in 2020 and contains a number of policies relating to air quality. Requirements
for developers when proposing new developments have been set out in the Planning Validation Checklist which can
be accessed here: www.durham.gov.uk/media/3760/Planning-Application-
Validation-Checklist/pdf/ "46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£50,000No032
227Transport and ConnectivityTransport Policy and Air Quality ProjectsT46Taxi PolicyIan HarrisonReview the emissions profile of the Durham licensed taxi fleet. Undertake a taxi emission assessment where the outcome of the review demonstrates this is necessary . The policy is reviewed by 2027 as a minimumEarly Concept/ScopingOn TrackThis work will take place within 12 months of the Air Quality Action Plan 2 being adopted.46477Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)£50,000.00Yes1-30012
222Transport and ConnectivityTransport Policy and Air Quality ProjectsT7Air Quality Information provision Dave LewinExplore the provision of travel and driver information integrated with the Urban Traffic Management and Control (UTMC) system and to explore the provision of information on air quality through the use of texts, email alerts and social networking. (Links with Air Quality Action Plan No 13)Number of variable messagesDeliverOn TrackJourney time information from the UTMC system is available on the Durham County Council website and information from the UTMC is shown in the form of Variable Message Signs. A project to publish comprehensive ‘Traffic & Travel’ information on the DCC website is being led by Corporate Communication. Development work has been completed and information on air quality is being fed from the air quality monitors
into the UTMC system. However strategies relating to the use of air quality information have not yet been developed. There are web cameras that are published on the Councils website that provide a snapshot of the condition of the road network. The cameras are positioned around Durham City."46477Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£50,000Yes032
232Transport and ConnectivityWalking and CyclingT16Park and PedalDawn BrownIdentify opportunities to install complimentary additional services to the Park and Ride service across the City Centre and development sites e.g., cycle storage/micro mobility/bicycles and e-bikes plus improved services at Park and Ride sites such as parcel pick-up and delivery and extending EV charging facilities.Completion of feasibility study and development sites/mobility hubDefine/PlanOff Track, Action NeededThe Council is investigating the Sniperley Park & Ride site but this is still under review, however it has been agreed through the Sniperley housing development for the development of 1 no. cycle hub and 1 no. mobility hub. Full project under review.47483Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)£30,000No1-30020
230Transport and ConnectivityBroadbandT14Digital Durham - Project Gigabit: North East ContractAlli WalkerProject Gigabit - Essex and North East contract: County Durham homes and businesses are potentially eligible for gigabit-capable broadband under a government contract that is in procurement. Government UK targets: 85% by end 2025 (measure taken March 2026); minimum 99% by 2032DeliverOn TrackOn 7 January 2025, Government announced Openreach have been awarded a Project Gigabit contract valued at £61m to deliver gigabit capable broadband to 24k homes and businesses in the North East and Essex. Rural 'hard-to-reach' County Durham communities are expected to benefit. Openreach have now entered the Mobilisation phase where they complete physical survey work to refine delivery plans. Data of 'where and when' is hoped to be shared with Durham County Council in Quarter 2. 48579UK Government (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)Countywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action £61m (government funding) contract for delivery in Essex and North East region (no available breakdown for County Durham) Yes032
231Transport and ConnectivityWalking and CyclingT15Strategic Cycling and WalkingDawn BrownImplement the Strategic Cycling and Walking Delivery Plan 2019-2029 - currently under reviewKilometres of new walking and cycling routes deliveredDeliverOn TrackDurham County Council continues to deliver the actions against the 14 Objectives of the Delivery Plan, including securing additional funding partners such as the North East Combined Authority to support development and delivery. The plan is currently under review.47483Durham County CouncilCountywideHigh (>600-1,000 tonnes) Costs of individual projects below Yes601-100032
237Transport and ConnectivityWalking and CyclingT21Borrow a BikeDawn BrownBorrow a Bike - Pilot scheme a success in Shildon. The scheme enables residents who do not have access to a hybrid or electric bike the opportunity to try cycling as a means of travel. You must live or work within one of the current scheme areas: Shildon, Newton Hall, Framwellgate Moor, Brasside, Pity Me, Stanley, Murton, Seaham, Newton Aycliffe, Chester-Le-Street, Bishop Auckland and Meadowfield.To roll out the scheme in the four towns mentioned: Murton. Stanley, Pity Me, Newton Aycliffe.CompleteCompletedFollowing a successful pilot in Shildon, the Borrow a Bike scheme now operates in eight locations, Bishop Auckland, Chester-Le-Street, Meadowfield, Murton & Seaham, Newton Aycliffe, Newton Hall (including (Framwellgate Moor, Brasside & Pity Me), Shildon and Stanley.46477Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)£0Yes1-3004
235Transport and ConnectivityWalking and CyclingT19Great North CyclewayDawn BrownGreat North Cycleway - Complete construction of Great North Cycleway (NCN 725)In Jan 24 , complete review of route, within 3 years a complete plan for the routeDefine/PlanOn TrackIn partnership with Sustrans, DCC has developed a detailed design for a section of the Great North Cycleway between Northlands and Birtley and will be working with partners to secure capital funding for delivery.46477Durham County CouncilCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes) 57m (Durham section) No301-60022
233Transport and ConnectivityWalking and CyclingT17Park that BikeDawn BrownPark that Bike - Contract and funding secured until 2027Increase in cycling parking spaces providedDeliverOn TrackThe Council continues to deliver the Park that Bike programme, which has installed 940 units and supported 240 business/community organisations to-date. The programme will continue over the next two years, working in conjunction with our other partners, such as Love to Ride, to encourage a positive mode shift onto active modes.46752Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes) £0.075m over 3 years Yes1-30032
234Transport and ConnectivityWalking and CyclingT18Priority routesDawn BrownLocal Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) - Construction of priority routes identified in LCWIPs and associated infrastructureDesign and number of LCWIP routes deliveredDeliverOn TrackDCC has adopted LCWIPs for 11 towns and has secured funding to further develop a priority routes in each area up to preliminary design. DCC will work with partners to secure additional funding for subsequent detailed design and eventual delivery.46477Durham County CouncilCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes) TBC Yes301-60032
236Transport and ConnectivityWalking and CyclingT20Cycling Super RoutesDawn BrownCycling super routes - Construct Cycling Super Routes linking key settlements within 5 miles of Durham CityTwo of the five routes are at preliminary design stage in Jan 24 -with one completed new route by 2027. Define/PlanSlightly Off TrackThrough commissioning a feasibility study, DCC has identified potential Cycling Super Routes between Durham City and outlying key settlements. DCC will work with partners to secure funding for further assessment and specification with a view to secure further funding for delivery. The original priority routes are under review with WSP, all preliminary design of routes to be complete by 2027.46477Durham County CouncilCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes) TBC Yes301-60021
238Transport and ConnectivityWalking and CyclingT22E cargo BikesDawn BrownE cargo bikes - Support the use of e-bikes and e-cargo bikes especially for last mile deliveries. put in bid for a pilot project linked to Air Quality or Capability Funding, possibly tie to mobility hubsNumber of cargo bikes and e-bikes used. DeliverOn TrackA cargo bike is being procured as part of the Cycle Hub proposal for Aykely Heads, funded through the North East Combined Authority. This will be made available for use by local businesses and for deliveries across the DCC Aykley Heads estate.47483Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes) Unknown Yes1-30032
203Natural EnvironmentWoodland and Hedgerow Creation, Planting and ManagementN22Tree WeekSue MullingerAim to spend £10k on Tree Week projects each year that deliver the most benefits100% of grant spentCompleteCompletedThis scheme has now been closed45747Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£0Yes04
205Natural EnvironmentWoodland and Hedgerow Creation, Planting and ManagementN24Woodland ManagementSue MullingerEnsure appropriate management of the Council's 1800 ha woodland estate through implementation of the Woodland Improvement Grant.100% of woodland under appropriate management - 1,800 haDeliverOn TrackOngoing management. 5 -year programme until January 2026.46388Durham County CouncilCouncil0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£0Yes032
239Transport and ConnectivityWalking and CyclingT23Parks and Countryside Access Improvements Darryl Cox, Lindsay ArcherDeliver significant improvements to the 120km of Parks and Countryside managed railway path network to encourage sustainable travel - walking, riding, cycling. Make significant access improvements (through 3 projects per year)and provide more coherent, useful information on the network for users and non-users. Effectively promote routes with promotional planning and joint working with partners inc. Sustrans and DCC sustainable transport team. (Links with Ecological Emergency Action plan)3 access improvement projects delivered per yearDeliverOn TrackThe T&V's Walking and Cycling programme completion is approaching and although the original deadline has passed, the reasons (design and construction resource) for this are beyond the control of managers. That said the programme is approx 80% complete, with an estimated completion in the next year/18 months.46022Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£1,500,000Yes032
258Transport and ConnectivityElectric Vehicle ChargingT42Try Before You Buy schemeEthan KerryE-Van Try Before you Buy (TBYB). 4 vans on free 2/3wk trial to SMEs. 4 Electric Vans to be purchased and will be made available for rental to SME’s across County Durham75% usage of Vans. Emission reduced as a team.CompleteCompletedTBYB scheme has come to a successful conclusion. 45809Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes) Revenue Yes1-3004
257Transport and ConnectivityElectric Vehicle ChargingT41Gulley provision pilotEthan KerryDeliver 26 gulley's in pavements outside residential properties to enable home charging for Electric Vehicles (pilot project)Solution in place for interested residents that can be delivered by the Council and partners.CompleteCompletedPilot has come to a successful finish on 1st May 2024, On-Steet Charging report with supporting documentation has been submitted 17th December 2024. Need to have a option for residents to choose from, but Highways have final say. Highways have now taken on this report and project and will deliver a solutions, or solutions to residents.45643Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)£10000Yes1-3004
259Transport and ConnectivityThe Council's FleetT43Fleet TransitionAlex CummingsTo transition as much of the DCC fleet to EV as possible in line with government deadlines, starting with smaller vehicles but trialling larger ones with a view to adopting these ranges when they are appropriate.98% of midi vans by 2027 (dependent on sufficient charging infrastructure)DeliverOn TrackWe currently have 91 electric vans and 6 electric cars and 1 electric RCV on fleet. This is largely in line with replacement plan. Further electric vans and cars are ordered with delivery dates throughout 202549290Durham County CouncilCouncilHigh (>200 - 500 tonnes)£11,000,000Yes32
266Business, Green Economy &SkillsGreen Economy/growth opportunitiesB2Growth PlansKerry WalkerDevelop targeted growth plans for each of the opportunity sectors identified for growth in the Inclusive Economic Strategy, the plans will provide a definition of the sector and methodology for tracking growth.Growth plan developed. CompleteCompletedA growth sector plan has been developed to provide a framework for future growth and inform delivery activity to drive growth in key opportunity sectors.45747Business DurhamCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£50K from UK SPF resources Yes04
267Business, Green Economy &SkillsGreen Economy/growth opportunitiesB3Green Technology Evidence BaseKerry WalkerCommission a study to establish an evidence base and identify economic opportunities to develop green technologies in County DurhamStudy to be completed by end of 2024. Likely to identify skills and workforce issues related to the sector.CompleteCompletedA growth sector plan has been developed for green technologies to provide a framework for future growth and inform delivery activity to drive growth in the sector.45657Business DurhamCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action49805Yes04
273Business, Green Economy &SkillsSkillsB9UK Shared Prosperity - People and SkillsHelen RadcliffeDeliver UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) People and Skills activity in County Durham from January 2024 to March 2025, including commissioning of delivery partners and subcontractors to provide skills and employment support for employees at risk of redundancy, unemployed individuals, as well as individuals who are economically inactive, with a focus on green skills. Target for residents engaged in all People delivery is 1400. Target for residents engaged in all Skills delivery is 2500.CompleteCompletedUKSPF People delivery has been completed and 1,532 residents engaged in the programme, exceeding the target. An external evaluation of the programme highlighted a number of key strengths. UKSPF Skills delivery has also been completed and 1,903 residents engaged in the programme. Although this was below the programme target, initial findings from an external evaluation has highlighted the positive impact of the flexible nature of the skills delivery in terms of supporting individuals into employment as well as supporting individuals who were in employment with their career development. 45747Durham County CouncilCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes)UKSPF funding allocated for People and Skills activity is £9.1mYes301-6004
272Business, Green Economy &SkillsSkillsB8Electricity Sector EmploymentLizzie BoyesAttract, recruit and train more than 1,000 people to meet the immediate and future needs of our customers, driven by the decarbonisation agenda. 1,000 newly recruited staffDeliverOn TrackNorthern Powergrid has continued recruitment of more of the new roles defined in the ED2 (Electricity Distribution Price Control period 2 April 2024 - March 2028) business plan. Recruitment is continuing into 2025/26 and the remainder of the ED2 business plan period46843Northern PowerGridCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionTBCYes032
270Business, Green Economy &SkillsBusiness EngagementB6North East Sustainability FrameworkLucy WearneContinue to engage with and complete the North East Sustainability Framework assessmentsProduction of a sustainability framework that can be utilised by partners across the North EastCompleteOn TrackFramework produced and can be found at https://destinationnortheastengland.co.uk/resource-hub/download-our-regenerative-visitor-economy-framework. Continuation of task force to ensure delivery of actions.45295Visit County DurhamCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£77,841Yes042
269Business, Green Economy &SkillsBusiness EngagementB5Destination Global Sustainability IndexLucy WearneContinue to engage with and complete the Global Sustainability Index for Durham City.Increase from base year of 42% (2023)CompleteOn TrackDurham City’s score rose to 51.5% in 2024 a rise from 42.1% in 2023 and awarded 2nd most improved globally in the supplier category. The 2025 submission has been completed and the results will be available in October 2025. 45961Visit County DurhamCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation Action£12,142 (for 3 years)Yes042
278Business, Green Economy &SkillsSkillsB11Residents Environmental Sustainability Online CourseDavid LeeDeliver Environmental Sustainability online learning courses through DurhamLearn to support residents interest and understanding of the agenda.New delivery so future targets could be set based on delivery in Year 1.DeliverOn TrackDurhamLearn continues to offer accredited short online learning courses in Plastic Pollution (Level 1 Award) and Environmental Sustainability (Level 1 and Level 2 Awards) through Ascentis. Although there has been low take-up during the current academic year, these courses will be included in DurhamLearn's advertised curriculum offer for 2025–26, reflecting our commitment to providing opportunities aligned to the environmental sustainability agenda.
In addition one of DurhamLearn's current subcontractors are running a Recycle and Upcycle course with 27 learners currently enrolled. This is delivered under the Tailored Learning aim: ‘Non-regulated Tailored Learning Life Skills: Environmental Sustainability.’ It is anticipated that there will be further cohorts for this course during the 2025–26 academic year which will serve to strengthen DurhamLearn's overall contribution to promoting climate awareness and sustainability-related skills in the community."46234Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionCosted through North East Combined Authority's devolved Adult Education Budget but funding will only be drawn down when delivery takes place.Yes032
274Business, Green Economy &SkillsSkillsB10Workplaces ProjectStephen CrassDeliver Workplaces Project to identified young people in Years 10 and 12 at school. As part of the project, young people undertake visits to employer premises, underpinned by a support programme to develop skills, knowledge and aptitudes that employers value. This incorporates learning about new and emerging sectors such as low carbon and includes visits to employers who are part of the green economy / are adapting their operations e.g. Business Central, Tridonic etc. There are programme targets in relation to the number of young people in Years 10 and 12 who will be supported by the programme. DeliverOn TrackWorkplaces Project delivery is on track. 1,782 year 10 and year 12 students have engaged in the programme so far. The Workplaces Project has been extended until July 2026 and it is on track to meet its revised target to engage 2,737 students.46234Durham County CouncilCountywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionCounty Durham Poverty Action Steering Group funding for the Workplaces Project is £657kYes032
291Agriculture & Sustainable FoodKnowledge SharingF2Community Growing SchemeAmy MycockSupport 14 communities to develop food growing schemes throughout Co. Durham, through Food Durham. Extend support through DCA’s Community Growing and Food Network. Scale-up local fruit and vegetable production as a priority, utilising social enterprise models where required. Promote the Right To Grow campaign utilising DCC land, other non-traditional public sector land and private partnerships16 communities engaged with & possible farming network developmentDeliverOn TrackThe community growing projects are developing well with one community and one youth group/ school in each Local Network (AAP) area, plus an additional two in the Derwent Valley. Raised bed repair and installation and other groundwork has been completed alongside delivery of family and youth sessions at school sites, including support with fruit and vegetable growing. Food Durham has been approached by two potential market gardening enterprises seeking support to set up large-scale vegetable production. Food Durham partnered with DCA to deliver a day of gardening skills training for the Community Growing and Food Network. 46873Food Durham - hosted by OASESCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)£190,000 total over 3 yearsYes1-30032
290Agriculture & Sustainable FoodKnowledge SharingF1Food PartnershipAmy Mycock A cross-sector multi-stakeholder partnership approach to tackling key food issues across the County, led by the Food Durham Co-ordinator, advised by the Food Durham Advisory Group. 4 board meetings, at least 1 network meeting and at least 2 partner events per yearDeliverOn TrackQuarterly meetings held and increasing in attendence each time. In December a Food Conversation event took place at REfUSE cafe. In June, a community gardening skills share. In September, events planned on food waste and food redistribution. 46142Food Durham - hosted by OASESCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)£190,000 total over 3 yearsYes1-30032
294Agriculture & Sustainable FoodKnowledge SharingF5Food Procurement ModelAmy MycockChampion and promote the adoption of the North East Sustainable Food Alliance (NESFA) Dynamic Food Procurement model as funded by the Dixon FoundationIncreased number of organisations using NEFSA dynamic procurementCompleteCompletedFunded project from Dixon Foundation is complete but keen to explore opportunities for Dynamic Food procurement when new Act comes into force.45657Food Durham - hosted by OASES and Durham County CouncilCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)N/ANot Applicable1-3004
296Agriculture & Sustainable FoodKnowledge SharingF7Food Sustainability StandardsRachel Currie and Kelly RoseCouncil commitment to working with Food Durham Advisory Group to support silver award, NE good food local pilot and Sustainability Global Index food priorities - Establish strong communication channels - awareness of council departments in the sharing of information to Food Durham to achieve awards and show progress Achieving silver award, progress in leaderboard NE good food local and global sustainability index Define/PlanOn TrackOngoing- DCC are supporting the Food Durham Advisory Group on matters relating to food sustainability, nutrition and supporting local food procedures.46477Durham County Council Countywide0 Enabling or Adaptation ActionN/ANo022
293Agriculture & Sustainable FoodKnowledge SharingF4Network DevelopmentAmy MycockDevelop networking with authorities and food partnerships2-3 events per year and engaged with all North East Combined AuthoritiesDeliverOn TrackThe Regional group of Food Partnerships, North East Sustainable Food Alliance (NESFA) meet 4 times a year. Food Durham also connects out to the 120 Food Partnerships nationally, through regular Sustainable Food Places catch-ups. In the past year, social media followers and web-engagement as well as newsletter subscribers have all increased. A new working group of Food Durham, Beyond Food Banks is holding a summit in March 2026, and aims to inspire food support initiatives to adapt their models to improve sustainability.46477Food Durham - hosted by OASESCountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)N/ANot Applicable1-30032
295Agriculture & Sustainable FoodKnowledge SharingF6Regenerative AgricultureAmy MycockDevelop ideas to support regenerative agriculture such as networking, whilst assessing already existing networks.Increased number of farmers engaged withEarly Concept/ScopingOn TrackEarly discussions with growers/ farming networks to explore needs and opportunities.46477Food Durham - hosted by OASESCountywideMed (>300 - 600 tonnes)N/ANot Applicable301-60012
302Agriculture & Sustainable FoodFood and Farming Project developmentF13Healthy and Sustainable Food SchemeRachel Currie, Kelly RoseTo have a coproduced healthy and sustainable food scheme across County Durham for all out of home food provision (all settings including business, schools, DCC providers, Market traders etc.) which aligns with healthy population and planet goals. Step 1: Scoping of best practice, establish partnership cross dpt and sector task group Step 2 agree shared vision and action plan How many settings have achieved the HC awardEarly Concept/ScopingOn TrackDCC are working with other local Authorities to understand how they are delivering similar food production projects and are scoping funding opportunities to support food growers to make sustainable choices.46477Durham County Council CountywideLow (1-300 tonnes)Existing post. No1-30012

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