posted by Michael Harkness

Case
study: Gateshead council

Michael Harkness of Gateshead's climate change team explains how the council has supercharged its 10:10 campaign

Gateshead Council has been taking part in 10:10, and is on track for significant emissions savings this year. The climate change team has produced this video to spread the word about the 10:10 campaign.

10:10 provides us with a strong simple message that we can take to each of our 11,000 employees. Every department has its own environmental champion, responsible for carrying out energy audits and for making sure that staff receive relevant advice.

Gateshead Council has also been investing in sustainable technologies which will deliver carbon and cost savings for many years to come. Over the past few years we’ve installed energy-efficient lighting in several buildings, including daylight-sensitive bulbs and LED lighting in toilet and kitchen areas. We’ve also been introducing hybrid and electric vehicles, served by photovoltaic charging points (like the one pictured below).
 
A picture of an electric car being charged by photo-voltaic cells

The solar charging canopy in action

It’s been satisfying to see Gateshead Council gaining a reputation as a sustainable organisation. Our 10:10 stall gets a great reception at public events - and of course, we take these opportunities to get members of the public to join the campaign as well!