Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue: World Environment Day sustainability efforts
Iain Hoey
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UK fire service highlights carbon cuts on World Environment Day
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has marked World Environment Day by publishing a detailed account of its environmental practices across its estate and vehicle fleet.
According to the service, which released the information on 5 June, the update reflects ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions, cut plastic waste, and improve energy efficiency across its 17 fire stations, headquarters, and support centres.
The service reported a 32% reduction in building-related carbon emissions since 2013, the use of solar panels, smart controls, and LED lighting, and a gradual transition to electric fleet vehicles, with charging infrastructure expanded at multiple sites in recent months.
New fleet strategy includes electric vehicle expansion
The service said 6.9% of its operational and corporate fleet is now electric-powered.
Five additional electric vehicle charging stations were recently installed at its Service Headquarters in Washington, in collaboration with Equans.
This follows the earlier installation of two charging points at Hebburn Tri Station.
The service explained that these vehicles are used for multiple purposes, including by the fire safety team during inspections of residential and commercial properties.
It stated that fleet upgrades are part of a broader policy to integrate sustainability into daily operations.
Hebburn Tri Station recognised for carbon-neutral design
TWFRS highlighted Hebburn Tri Station as a national example of sustainable emergency services infrastructure.
The station houses Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue, Northumbria Police, and North East Ambulance Service.
According to the service, the facility was officially opened in 2023 and has since received awards for environmental performance.
The site includes 345 solar panels, multiple EV and e-bike charging points, and ground source heat pumps.
The organisation said these features make the station capable of generating up to 100% of its operational energy requirements.
Broader environmental measures across the estate
The service said further initiatives include brown food waste bins in kitchens, battery recycling containers, and green electricity procurement.
It also reported that rainwater harvesting systems and stormwater management measures are active at several locations.
TWFRS said all buildings are equipped with infrastructure to reduce plastic consumption, including bins for sorting plastic packaging.
Wildlife areas such as bird and bat boxes, bee hotels, and a wildflower meadow were cited as contributing to a projected 10.75% increase in local biodiversity.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue: World Environment Day sustainability efforts: Summary
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service marked World Environment Day on 5 June.
The service published information about its carbon reduction and sustainability efforts.
It reported a 32% reduction in building-related CO2 emissions since 2013.
Electric vehicles now make up 6.9% of the service’s fleet.
Five new charging stations were added at Service Headquarters in Washington.
Two more charge points are available at Hebburn Tri Station.
The fire safety team uses electric vehicles for property inspections.
Hebburn Tri Station is described as the UK’s first carbon-neutral emergency tri-station.
It includes solar panels, ground source heat pumps, and EV charging infrastructure.
TWFRS cited biodiversity measures such as bird boxes and wildflower areas.
Recycling, waste reduction, and water conservation programmes are in place across all sites.