Climate Emergency & Carbon Footprint
Climate Emergency
The Town Council recognises that climate change is having a global effect on the environment and that increases in global warming will lead to harmful and irreversible changes to the earth’s climate and ecosystems.
The implications of climate change are already being seen locally in extreme weather events, most notably drought conditions and increased storms, rainfall and flooding which have impacted on many Council land holdings, services and events.
The Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and made a commitment to becoming carbon zero by 2050.
In support of this Great Aycliffe Town Council agreed to set out an ambitious Climate Emergency Policy and Carbon Reduction Plan with the ultimate aim of becoming carbon zero by 2050.
Despite progress initially being delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the following items have since been progressed:
Climate Emergency Policy
The Climate Emergency Policy was developed in 2024 to set out the Council’s principles and actions for meeting its climate commitments through a clear vision, a measured carbon baseline, prioritised evidence-based targets and appropriate investment, while working with Durham County Council, local partners and the community to address climate change across the Parish.
Carbon Reduction Action Plan
The Council adopted a Carbon Reduction Action Plan in 2025 which continues to guide Council Officers with more detailed, clear, short-term and long-term targets.
The Action Plan currently includes a total of 57 actions, each with a description, an indication of how they will be measured, where the responsibility for implementing the action lies, including any partnership working, the possible cost, the estimated CO2 saving, the level of priority and the estimated completion date.
Carbon Reduction Action Plan – 2026 Progress Update
Carbon Footprint Calculation
Since 2023, the Council has calculated its carbon footprint annually for the period 1st April – 31st March.
Through actions delivered under the Carbon Reduction Action Plan, it has reduced its Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) emissions each year.
2025 – 26 Carbon Footprint Calculation
2024 – 25 Carbon Footprint Calculation
2023 – 24 Carbon Footprint Calculation
Budgets and Asset Management Plan
The Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) includes a dedicated section relating to climate change.
The Asset Management Plan is planned and updated with consideration of low carbon alternatives for all building works, replacement vehicles and machinery.
Both documents include consideration of the medium and longer-term financial impacts of the Council becoming carbon neutral e.g. the additional costs of electric vehicles.
Any additional costs are factored into the annual capital budget through the Council’s annual budget setting process.
The Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan
Considering Climate Change and Carbon Reduction in all Council Decisions
Climate change and carbon reduction implications are included as a dedicated section in every report to the Council and its committees, sub-committees and working groups under the “Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Change Implications” section of the report, to ensure that climate change is a key consideration in any Council decisions.
Progress – What have we achieved so far?
The Council has made great progress in reducing its carbon footprint:
Replacement of Parish Lighting
The Parish lighting that is under the ownership of Great Aycliffe Town Council has been replaced with energy efficient LED lights.
Utilities
All electricity accounts are on 100% renewable tariffs, with boiler gas flow temperatures being checked and optimised seasonally, thermostats used to adjust temperatures, LED lights being used in 90% of Council buildings, with lights and equipment switched off when not in use. Push button taps are installed in public facilities, and waterless urinals have been installed at the Oakleaf Sports Complex.
Electric Vehicles and Machinery
Two of the Council’s vehicle fleet are now electric vehicles, with two electric vehicle charging points installed at the Works Depot. As more vehicles and machinery reach the point of replacement, they will be replaced with electric vehicles wherever practical and economically viable. A significant number of smaller electric machinery is also in use including a hybrid ride-on mower, pedestrian mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, a chainsaw etc.
Reduction of Use of Paper
Annual invoices for allotment rents and golf memberships emailed rather than posted, and the feasibility of virtual Council meetings is being explored subject to legislative change permitting this.
Single Use Plastics
A reduction in the use of single use plastics at Council events.
Waste and Recycling
This is taking place at events and across all other Council services. The Council has improved recycling arrangements linked to the Simpler Recycling legislation including composting of food waste. Food is cooked to order at the Sports Complex to ensure minimal waste. Auctions are held for old works machinery and equipment, with old computers being disposed of via a re-use scheme.
Reduction in Use of Harmful Chemicals
The reduction of the use of pesticides is ongoing, subject to some exemptions and peat-based compost is no longer used.
Tree Planting
A grant funded tree planting programme on Town Council land across the parish was completed in partnership with Durham County Council in 2023.
Two major grant funded tree planting initiatives with North East Community Forest on the Oakleaf Golf Course have been completed with a total of 6,201 fruit, feathered, standard trees and whips planted.
Annual tree planting continues to exceed the Council’s policy of planting three trees for every tree removed or felled.
Wildlife Meadow
In partnership with Livin, a new wildflower meadow has been created in the Horndale area, with further areas being explored.
Solar Panels
The Council Offices has a solar panel system installed and a feasibility study for solar panels to be installed at the Works Depot which will feed into the Oakleaf Sports Complex is now complete and work is due to begin in 2026/27.
Working with the Community
The Works and Environment Manager visits local primary schools each year during Environment Week to deliver a presentation on waste and recycling, followed by a litter pick in their local area. The Council assists the local ‘Great Aycliffe Tidy Team’ volunteers by providing practical tools to litter pick around the town.
