Newcastle Area - Green Issues & Renewable Energy Business

[anonymous1]

Well there's no doubting the scale of Nissan, the fact that that is a massive factory which is the most productive car factory in Europe (perhaps productivity will fall slightly with stopping the Micra since it may take a while to get there Juke into full flow) and its regional importance and that it got a grant to build these cars.

But I'm almost certain the electric TNT van was reported on. I saw it outside TJ Hughes recently as well.

[TownPlanningNE]

Prince Charles to go on national green projects tour
Prince Charles is to undertake a five-day tour of Scotland, Wales and England to encourage sustainable living.

The tour, in September, will see the prince joined for part of the trip by the Duchess of Cornwall to launch new initiatives and existing ones.

They include a major scheme to encourage people in Wales to help sustain tropical rainforests.

There are also much smaller-scale projects, including allotments in public spaces such as railway stations.

The Prince of Wales will start the tour in Glasgow, before travelling to cities and towns including Edinburgh, Carmarthen, Bristol, Newcastle, Todmorden, Manchester and Birmingham.

He will also visit an estate in Nottingham where residents have reduced their energy bills by installing solar roof panels.

The project is of particular interest to the prince, who plans to install 32 solar panels on the roof of his London home Clarence House.

The Prince will be travelling on the royal train, which runs on sustainable bio-fuel, and host a series of meetings and receptions between station stops.

The programme of visits will run from 6 to 10 September.

Article here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10982323

[TownPlanningNE]

Newcastle Airport plugs into zero emission electric tug vehicle
As part of Newcastle Airport’s ongoing commitment to green travel, a battery powered Smith PT350 platform tug is currently on trial at the Southside of the Airport in Samson Aviation. Designed and built by Smith Electric Vehicles in Washington, Tyne & Wear, The Smith PT350 baggage transfer vehicle is engineered to help short haul airlines deliver a rapid turnaround, while also reducing the carbon footprint of the airport fleet.

...

This trial forms part of the Airport’s wider green initiative, which includes a highly successful cycle to work scheme and a Metro Saver scheme. It is also considering the feasibility of electric car charging points.

Full article here: http://www.newcastleairport.com/News...ug+vehicle.htm

[TownPlanningNE]

Prince Charles to visit Ouseburn Farm
Aug 16 2010 by Laura Caroe, Evening Chronicle

A COMMUNITY-run farm will be given the Royal seal of approval with a visit by the Prince of Wales.

Prince Charles is set to visit Tyneside during a tour of Scotland, Wales and England in a bid to encourage sustainable living.

Travelling on the Royal Train, which runs on biofuel, the Prince will visit projects including Ouseburn Farm in Newcastle this September.

The tour will see the Prince joined for part of the trip by the Duchess of Cornwall to launch new initiatives and celebrate existing ones.

Ouseburn Farm, formerly known as the Byker Farm, was forced to close in 2002 when its land was found to be contaminated by the Victorian lead works which once stood on the site.

Having resolved the problem, today the farm boasts a environment and heritage centre which teaches children about animal welfare, horticulture and the history of the East End community. Prince Charles will also visit much smaller scale projects, including allotments in public spaces such as railway stations and a grow-your-own scheme in Yorkshire.

Full article here: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...2703-27071517/

[Newcastle Historian]

Originally Posted by DXNewcastle

What really annoys me about this reporting is the way it relentlessly promotes Nissan and its new plans for electric cars, while completely ignoring our own, local, electric vehicle manufacturer, Tanfield Industries in Vigo, Birtley trading as Smiths Industries.
They've been producing electric vehicles for many years now, the commercial versions being conversions to Ford trucks and vans and used by parcels firms, supermarkets, and postal firms.
The bright orange 7.5 tonner TNT truck doing daily parcel deliveries in central Newcastle looks like any other Ford Cargo 7.5t box, but has no engine noise! (or exhaust).
Why do our local press ALWAYS ignore Tanfield when talking about electric vehicles? A good local employer with a track record in electric vehicles and a future in electric transport. It really puzzles me. www.tanfieldgroup.com

A couple of articles (at last) from 18th & 19th August 2010, HERE . . .

http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business...1140-27090103/

http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business...1140-27091170/

[Newcastle Historian]

Millionaires back North East energy push
August 24th 2010, by Iain Laing, The Journal


THE growth of green industries in the North East is set to be fuelled by up to £200m of investment from some of Britain's wealthiest families.

The National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), in Blyth, Northumberland, has struck an exclusive deal with a group of investors interested in ploughing money into the sector.

The agreement, with London-based Ashberg, is aimed at providing the finance to help renewable energy projects get off the ground quicker than is currently possible.

That is part of a wider strategy to turn the North East into a world-leading hub for green industries, which Narec is already at the heart of.

Ashberg represents individuals and families who have amassed at least £50m in wealth and are seeking business opportunities. The deal with Narec is aimed at finding investment opportunities in the green energy sector to help commercialise research and development projects.

It is also hoped the finance will be able to plug funding gaps that could prevent such schemes becoming a reality.

Dr Alan Lowdon, Narec director of technology and innovation, told The Journal the deal with Ashberg would further enhance both the company and the region’s position as a world leader in renewable energy.

He said: “We see this as a fantastic opportunity to develop technology. We have here a dedicated fund which, subject to meeting certain criteria, will allow us to get projects into the funding market much more quickly.”


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business...1140-27122884/

[Newcastle Historian]

Challenges lie ahead in offices with green blueprint!
August 31st 2010, Evening Gazette


SUSTAINABILITY and efficiency are now key factors in developing office accommodation, says Tony Hordon, offices director at commercial property specialists DTZ in Newcastle.

THERE is no doubt that sustainability is very much on the corporate agenda despite the recession and the continued pressure on office viability and design.

The office sector is incredibly important, given its scale, with buildings responsible for around 50% of total UK carbon emissions and the commercial office sector accounting for 34% of the buildings total.

As a result the sector has a responsibility to lead and play its part in supporting the various government initiatives in legislation to reduce the impact on the environment.

The challenge, as always, will be ‘cost versus value’ and ensuring the new initiatives and the legislation continue to support modern design and ways of working.

The Government has introduced a number of initiatives and legislation, most notably the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) energy efficiency scheme.

It is estimated that the scheme will save organisations £1bn and more than 4 million tons of CO² each year by 2020.

Other initiatives include the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which makes the whole property stock accountable to the demands of increased energy efficiency.

To meet its ambitious pledge to cut carbon dioxide by 60% by 2050, the UK government has issued new legislation through part revisions and EPCs.

Sustainability and efficiency is not a standalone feature of buildings that can be bolted on, almost as an afterthought. Quite the opposite, it is an ever prevailing phenomenon that is bringing about a revolution in the way we go about the business of designing and building offices.

The challenge to the designer will be to meet the new legislation with innovative solutions in ensuring the primary function of the building is maintained, whilst supporting the business and the brand, but not at a cost that ultimately makes schemes unviable.

There are features and initiatives which are now more commonly adopted to ensure the accommodation meets these legislative changes, and not to the detriment of the accommodation.

Facilities such as photovoltaics, wind turbines and ground source heating and cooling provide clean energy.

In addition, there are many techniques which can be introduced to a scheme that are reasonably low key, such as the creation of permeable car parks to reduce the burden on the draining system, rainwater harvesting and the installation of bicycle racks.

The key to the design of any office accommodation is often in the building’s orientation. This is a relationship the building’s elevations have to the sun’s path during the summer and winter months and should be understood, but is often misunderstood.

Achieving good daylight within the building can result in a reduction of lighting bills by up to 50% - very basic principles, but with far-reaching and cost-saving implications.


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/commerci...1140-27165535/

[Newcastle Historian]

Experts gather in Newcastle to
discuss impact of North wind farms
Sep 6 2010 by David Black, The Journal


EXPERTS will come together today for a major conference on how to ensure that the drive to produce more renewable energy doesn't harm Northumberland's historic assets and environment.

Archaeologists, historic buildings experts, heritage advisers and planning consultants from across the UK and Ireland will be among those gathering for the one-day forum at Newcastle University.

It has been organised by Northumberland County Council to debate the potential impact on historic sites and buildings of the ever-increasing pressure to build more giant wind turbines on the county’s rugged moorlands and fells.

All 150 places have been snapped up at the event, which will also bring together wind energy developers and planning officers.

Northumberland has been the focus for a number of battles in recent years between wind farm developers and local communities opposed to the erection of giant turbines.

In some cases, the impacts of the structures on archaeological sites and centuries-old buildings such as churches have been crucial elements of the debates.

A number of wind energy schemes are currently in the pipeline for the North East with the UK committed to sourcing 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Experts say wind farms have the potential to harm both the fabric and setting of historic assets, unless careful consideration is given to their location, scale and layout at the design stage.

It is sponsored by Hexham-based Vattenfall Wind Power, Novera Energy and Wessex Archaeology, and will hear from professionals working in the sector.

Organisations represented include English Heritage and Historic Scotland.

Yesterday Coun Dougie Watkin, who will be representing Northumberland County Council, said: “It will become more important than ever to ensure that developers, landowners and planning authorities work together to ensure developments are sensitively designed to avoid unnecessary impact on our historical and archaeological heritage.

“The county council’s lead role in this conference is very pertinent as the pressure to accommodate onshore renewable energy has been keenly felt in Northumberland.

“Since 2005, at least nine wind farm applications have triggered concerns relating to the historic environment, and two schemes have been refused due to their impact on historic monuments.”


FULL ARTICLE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-e...1634-27208427/

[TownPlanningNE]

Gateshead Council's electric vans cut carbon emissions
5 September 2010

A Tyneside council has bought two electric vans in its drive to have a greener borough.

The vehicles, which cost 5p per mile to run, will be used by staff who maintain Gateshead's parks, streets and public buildings, as well as delivering school meals.

The vans take eight hours to charge up and this will be carried out overnight.

The council already has two electric cars and will consider buying more if the vans are a success.

A council spokesman said: "The electric vans will be compared and evaluated in day to day use against their diesel counterparts.

"If successful this could lead to more electric vehicles delivering front line council services."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-11193622

[Newcastle Historian]

Calls for support for North East electric cars
September 15th 2010, by Adrian Pearson, The Journal



ELECTRIC vehicle experts have warned jobs in the North East could be delayed if the Government does not show a dedicated commitment to the low carbon economy.

Hundreds of new jobs in Northumberland, Tyneside and Wearside are dependent upon kickstarting a market for electric cars, using Government help for research and subsidies.

But last night it was claimed the coalition Government must show it is prepared to back the region in the same way as Labour previously did or see the North East lose its world-leading position.


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-e...1634-27269225/

[Newcastle Historian]

Energy jobs set to come to the River Tyne
September 22nd 2010, by Adam Jupp, Evening Chronicle


TALKS to bring thousands more green energy jobs to Tyneside are under way.

Wind turbine blade manufacturer Clipper Windpower is already set to move into a factory being built on the banks of the Tyne next month.

Assurances were today given that the development would go ahead, despite the firm issuing a trading statement expressing concern over its financial plight.

The £10m factory they are moving into is being built on the site of the former Neptune shipyard, in Walker Riverside.

Then Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the deal that would see Clipper come to Tyneside in February and since then, work has been under way to create the purpose-built plant for them.

And as pictures show the site is nearing completion, it has emerged discussions have been held about attracting a similar deal for the remainder of the land.

Shepherd Offshore, which owns the plot and is building the factory, has held advanced talks with a series of big players in the green energy sector and if the contracts were completed, around 1,500 jobs would be created.

It is understood the deals would bring more turbine manufacturing work to the River Tyne.

For legal reasons, the companies being spoken to cannot be disclosed but head of business development Andy Williamson said: “We have been holding discussions about the possibility of bringing more work to the North bank of the Tyne.

“That all forms part of our strategic plan to turn the area into a world-leading hub for manufacturing in the renewable energy and sub-sea sector.

“We believe we are ideally placed for this, as we have the workforce, the expertise and the land to make this happen.”

The Chronicle understands the deals being discussed would require land the size of the remainder of the Neptune site and the whole of the neighbouring Swan Hunter site.


Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...#ixzz10GY5MSfI

[thenorthumbrian]

Originally Posted by Newcastle Historian

Energy jobs set to come to the River Tyne
September 22nd 2010, by Adam Jupp, Evening Chronicle


TALKS to bring thousands more green energy jobs to Tyneside are under way.

Wind turbine blade manufacturer Clipper Windpower is already set to move into a factory being built on the banks of the Tyne next month.

Assurances were today given that the development would go ahead, despite the firm issuing a trading statement expressing concern over its financial plight.

The £10m factory they are moving into is being built on the site of the former Neptune shipyard, in Walker Riverside.

Then Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the deal that would see Clipper come to Tyneside in February and since then, work has been under way to create the purpose-built plant for them.

And as pictures show the site is nearing completion, it has emerged discussions have been held about attracting a similar deal for the remainder of the land.

Shepherd Offshore, which owns the plot and is building the factory, has held advanced talks with a series of big players in the green energy sector and if the contracts were completed, around 1,500 jobs would be created.

It is understood the deals would bring more turbine manufacturing work to the River Tyne.

For legal reasons, the companies being spoken to cannot be disclosed but head of business development Andy Williamson said: “We have been holding discussions about the possibility of bringing more work to the North bank of the Tyne.

“That all forms part of our strategic plan to turn the area into a world-leading hub for manufacturing in the renewable energy and sub-sea sector.

“We believe we are ideally placed for this, as we have the workforce, the expertise and the land to make this happen.”

The Chronicle understands the deals being discussed would require land the size of the remainder of the Neptune site and the whole of the neighbouring Swan Hunter site.


Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...#ixzz10GY5MSfI

If this goes ahead as stated in the Chronicle (which is prone to exaggeration from time to time) then it would be one hell of a development, to cover the rest of the Neptune site and the old Swan hunter yard as well.
I have provided a link on the Port of Tyne and Tyne shipping thread to a similar article in the Journal, so it does look like there is movement in this area.

[Newcastle Historian]

Electric car contract will spark 500 new jobs
September 28th 2010, by Rob Pattinson, The Journal


THE region’s emerging green industries received a huge boost yesterday as an electric car company promised the creation of more than 500 jobs at their North East development plant.

Liberty Electric Cars announced it has secured a £500,000 contract with the Chinese government to produce motors for 10,000 electric buses, which will all be built in Cramlington, Northumberland.

CEO of the Oxford-based company Barry Shrier said the five-year agreement had been put in place with the option for an extension to 30,000 electric vehicles.

All of the jobs set to be created by the deal will be within the next two years, while Liberty have already said they are looking at the prospect of setting up a second premises in the region.

Barry Shrier said: "Our strategy is to make the North East the epicentre of electrical vehicle research and production for the UK.

"The region has a tremendous reputation in terms of engineering and in terms of a reliable and capable workforce.

"From our perspective there are also advantages to being close to the industries associated with car manufacturing which have grown up around the Nissan plant." Under the contract announced by Liberty yesterday, the company will produce the motors, batteries, transmission, and software, at their North East plant. The motors will be assembled in Cramlington before being shipped to China to be fitted to chassis.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-e...#ixzz10oEirauE

[Newcastle Historian]

Region bids to be hub for offshore wind industry
October 12th 2010, by Adrian Pearson, The Journal


CITY leaders are putting together a multi-million pound bid to make Tyneside the UK’s hub for the offshore wind industry.

Businesses and council bosses wanting to secure cash from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund need to have bids in by December to be considered in the first wave. Staff at development agency One North East had been tasked with creating thousands of jobs along the banks of the Tyne, but those regeneration plans were thrown into confusion when the coalition Government decided to scrap the quango and try to hand power back to local councils.

But with council bosses still arguing over the exact number of replacement local enterprise partnerships, time is running out if money is to be secured for projects such as the North Bank of the Tyne scheme.

Already the region is locked in a battle with port authorities in the Humber to try and secure upgrade cash. A successful bid from the regional growth fund would bring Tyneside a step closer to securing an £80m Siemens wind turbine factory, among other successes.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-e...#ixzz128Emvx53

[Newcastle Historian]

Good news promised in Comprehensive Spending Review
October 16th 2010, by William Green, The Journal


A LEADING Lib Dem member of the coalition Government has promised “good news” for the North East in next week’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

In an interview with The Journal, Chris Huhne yesterday said the region had a vital part in building a low-carbon economy and promised Government financial support to underpin further developments. Asked about a stalled £60m fund to support wind energy jobs, Mr Huhne promised there would be “good news” after the Government’s comprehensive spending review next Wednesday.

The review will set out the Government’s spending plans for the next three years and is expected to outline massive public spending cuts to reduce Britain’s deficit, although the Energy Secretary stressed projects vital to future economic growth would be protected.

Mr Huhne’s comments come after energy companies and unions earlier this week urged Chancellor George Osborne to approve the £60m fund, which was set up to help upgrade UK ports to support manufacture of offshore wind turbines and other parts in this country.

Major manufacturers Siemens and General Electric, which backed the letter, are both considering setting up new turbine manufacturing plants on the banks of the Tyne if funding is available.

It would allow them to take advantage of plans to build thousands of turbines more than 100 miles off the North East coast, at Dogger Bank.

Mr Huhne, who is speaking at the regional Liberal Democrat conference today, said: “Obviously I can’t anticipate the announcements we are going to make on October 20, it is coming up very soon.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-e...#ixzz12Vr47DAw

[Newcastle Historian]

Electric storm brewing
October 16th 2010, by Chris Knox, The Journal


TWO companies at the heart of the North East’s emerging electrical vehicle industry were last night locked in a bitter takeover battle.

Liberty Electric Cars, which is developing electric cars in Cramlington, Northumberland, yesterday made a bid for the larger Washington-based rival Tanfield Group.

But the Wearside company, which employs around 250 people in the North East and 250 more in the US, Japan and Australasia, knocked back the bid, with sources close to the company expressing concern at the Oxford-based company’s lack of experience in the market.

Liberty’s offer involved taking over the stock market-listed firm without paying any cash but with an agreement that it could use the North East firm’s assets to leverage £15m of debt which would be handed to Tanfield to grow the business.

Liberty said it would also look to base a substantial part of its recently won £500m contract to build 10,000 electric bus motors for the Chinese government at Tanfield’s facilities in the North East.

However, Tanfield is understood to be concerned that Liberty does not own much manufacturing space, and has only built a handful of prototypes so far.

The offer comes as Tanfield looks to secure a boost to its finances after suffering for years from a downturn in its sales worsened by the global recession. Its half-year report showed it had cut operating losses to £9.8m in the six months to June 30 from £10.4m a year earlier. The company has also seen its share price tumble following a succession of disappointing trading updates, with the price yesterday closing at 16.70p, down from 70p two years ago.

Tanfield, is still aiming to combine the US and UK wings of its Smiths Electric Vehicles division to support its facilities in the UK. The US business is considering a stock market flotation and has won a £20m US government grant to speed its product development.


Read More - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business...1140-27482117/

[gregstone]

Look out for an announcement tomorrow on the Forum for the Future's updated table of UK sustainable cities

[Newcastle Historian]

Originally Posted by gregstone

Look out for an announcement tomorrow on the "Forum for the Future's" updated table of UK sustainable cities

I know Newcastle was the TOP city last year (2009) and it seems (from the "Forum for the Future" website this morning) that we are again . . .

Visionary Newcastle races ahead as Britain’s most sustainable city
EMBARGOED TO 0001 HOURS MONDAY OCTOBER 18TH 2010


Cities with strong visions of a successful future lead the 2010 league table of Britain’s most sustainable cities, released by sustainable development NGO Forum for the Future and sponsored by GE.

Newcastle, top for the second year running, and Leicester, in second place, are outpacing rivals Brighton, Bristol and London. But all five have set themselves ambitious targets and are guided by long-term visions of how to improve life for their citizens by reducing their impact on the environment and seizing new opportunities in the green economy.

The Forum’s fourth annual Sustainable Cities Index tracks progress on sustainability in Britain’s 20 largest cities, ranking them on environmental performance, quality of life and future-proofing, which looks at issues like how well cities are addressing climate change and how dynamic their economy is.

Peter Madden, chief executive of Forum for the Future, said: “Cities are having to count every penny so it’s essential that they invest wisely for long-term success. Leaders like Newcastle and Leicester are developing plans to run services in smarter ways, tackle challenges like climate change and secure the jobs of the future.”

Barry Rowland, Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, said: “Sustainability is right at the top of our agenda, and we intend to keep it there.”

Mark Elborne, President and CEO of GE in the UK, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this report which addresses a topic of great interest to GE. We offer a comprehensive range of solutions to help build sustainable cities of the future. We are working around the world to apply the very latest technologies in renewable energy, healthcare, transport, water and waste treatment to make a cleaner more sustainable future for generations to come.“

2010 Sustainable Cities Index Highlights

Newcastle, which was eighth in 2007, has extended its lead over a tight cluster of four rivals. It has placed itself at the centre of an increasingly vibrant clean tech cluster in the North East and aims to become a world class centre of science and innovation, benefiting economically and socially from the green economy. It aspires to become the UK’s “electric car capital” and has started installing 580 charging points in the region.

Leicester, in 14th place four years ago, is second and leads on environmental performance. It has the lowest ecological footprint, produces the least household waste and is best at managing its biodiversity. It has a strong climate change plan, a high recycling rate and an emerging new business sector pursuing opportunities in sustainability and environmental management.

Brighton, third, scores well for quality of life and future-proofing, with a healthy, highly skilled population and a vibrant economy, but high-consumption lifestyles give it the worst ecological footprint of any city.

Bristol falls to fourth place but retains the top spot in the quality of life basket, with a low unemployment rate, highly skilled and qualified residents, and improving school standards.

London is fifth and comes top on future-proofing with strong new plans to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change and the highest level of business start-ups. It has the longest life expectancy, but by far the worst air quality and one of the largest ecological footprints.

Leeds remains sixth with good progress on recycling. It’s followed by this year’s two biggest climbers, both up four places. Coventry is seventh overall with the third best environmental performance. It has risen 10 places since 2007 showing good progress on a number of indicators. Plymouth, in eighth place, ranks third for quality of life with the second highest life expectancy and an excellent improvement in education.

Edinburgh, ninth, is best for employment and ranks second on education.

Sheffield, 10th, has seen improvements in bus and tram services. Cardiff, 11th, scores well on future-proofing and has made notable improvements in recycling.


Read More - http://www.forumforthefuture.org/pre...rces-for-media


AND . . .

This is confirmed in this mornings JOURNAL . . .

Newcastle wins praise for 'visionary' planning
October 18th 2010, by Amy Hunt, The Journal


NEWCASTLE has topped a table of Britain's greenest cities for the second year running.

The city’s investment in green industry and its role in developing infrastructure for electric cars have been singled out as key reasons behind its place at the top of the Sustainable Cities Index.

Described as “visionary” by the organisation behind the list, Forum for the Future, Newcastle has been praised for innovation in science and growing its economy while benefiting the environment.

After coming first last year in the list, which tracks the progress of the UK’s 20 largest cities across three areas of environment, quality of life and future proofing, Newcastle City Council increased its lead in 2010.

It scored highly for number of allotments, recycling, public transport, conservation and green spaces.

Barry Rowland, chief executive of Newcastle City Council, said: “Our commitment to a sustainable future is underpinned by our innovative work with partners.

“For example, we are working closely with Newcastle University to develop their centre for research and sustainability, Shepherd Offshore to help transform the banks of the Tyne into a central hub of the UK renewable energy technology sector and seeking to make the city a home for the UK’s leading scientists through our Newcastle Science City Partnership.”

The Sustainable Cities Index rates Britain’s 20 biggest cities based on factors such as air quality, household rubbish and the impact that services, housing and transport have on the environment.

It is based around actions which councils can take to make their city more sustainable, from green-themed initiatives like cutting climate change and increasing the variety of wildlife, to economic boosts like improving education, cutting unemployment.

While scoring highly on environmental categories, Newcastle does less well on economy, as well as health and education, which fall into the bracket of quality of life.

Anita Lower, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition once again underlining how hard the council is working to put the environment at the heart of its agenda as we seek to make the city greener and work towards a zero carbon future.”

Wendy Taylor, executive member for environment, sustainability and transport, said: “We continue to promote new technology as we strive to move towards a more sustainable transport future.

“It is gratifying to have our progress on this and all other aspects of sustainability acknowledged.”

Peter Madden, chief executive of Forum for the Future, said: “Cities are having to count every penny so it’s essential that they invest wisely for long-term success.

“Leaders like Newcastle and Leicester are developing plans to run services in smarter ways, tackle challenges like climate change and secure the jobs of the future.”

Leicester is in second place in this year’s Sustainable Cities Index, with Brighton, Bristol and London making up the rest of the top five.

Visit www.forumforthefuture.org for more information.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-e...#ixzz12h6zdLTA

[gregstone]

Walker to benefit from £60m funding announcement for NE renewable energy manufacturing in the CSR....

[Newcastle Historian]

Was that announced in there Greg?

I may have just missed it, as there was SO MUCH announced yesterday!