Humberside Police achieves ‘net zero’ award in partnership with fire and rescue service
Humberside Police has achieved an Oh Yes! Net Zero Gold membership Award in partnership with Humberside Fire and Rescue, which recognises and promotes a commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Mark Blenkinsop, head of Joint Estates and force lead for sustainability, said they have been collaborating with the fire and rescue service to support each other on the journey to reach net zero.
Oh Yes! Net Zero is a campaign helping Hull and Humber-based organisations achieve their net zero ambitions.
Mr Blenkinsop said: “One of our main aims is to reduce our carbon emissions year on year to eventually operate both services at net zero.
“The Humber region is one of the largest contributors of carbon through industry, therefore it is vital we play our part in delivering a cleaner and greener service for the communities we serve to create better places to live and work.
“Together, we’ve also been exploring opportunities for government funding to decarbonise the police and fire estate by applying and successfully achieving grants to deliver project work over £3 million. These projects include air source heat pumps, biomass heating, solar panels, new window glazing systems and more efficient insulation.”
He added: “Both Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service have complex vehicle requirements and we’re well on the way to transitioning to greener fleets in line with government targets by 2035.
“Achieving an Oh Yes! Net Zero Gold membership award is a way of demonstrating to our communities, employees, partners, and other stakeholders that we are serious about reducing our environmental impact and will continue to do whatever we can to protect and serve the communities in which we live and work.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Matt Sutcliffe, who leads on environmental sustainability for Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As part of our collaboration, we are exploring a range of opportunities, including innovative solutions for greener vehicles to meet targets by 2035.
“This approach makes sure we address the complex operational needs of our fleet while maintaining our vital response to keeping everyone across the Humber region safe and well.”