Skip to content

Net Zero Indicators

When thinking about our progress towards Net Zero, we have identified a series of indicators to help us monitor progress. Explore the data below. 

An image

Decarbonisation

Greenhouse gas emissions is the key measure of local progress towards decarbonisation. The latest data is from 2021. This dashboard shows data for the North East or wider North East region (also including Tees Valley).

For more information visit the North East Evidence Hub

Emissions in the North East decreased by 51% between 2005 and 2021.

In England emissions decreased by 39%.

The North East's CO2 equivalent of 4.91 tonnes per head is lower than the national rate.

In England the CO2 equivalent is 5.47 tonnes per head.

The North East's emissions increased by 5.6% from 2020 to 2021 as COVID restrictions lifted.

From 2019 to 2021 emissions decreased by 4.8%.

Greenhouse gas emissions in the North East

Data categories

This dashboard includes 15 further indicators that provide insights into the extent and nature of progress towards Net Zero.

They are grouped into 3 categories for you to browse using the links in the sidebar.

Cleaner

The cleaner category includes indicators relating to the low carbon economy, employment and innovation.

Greener

The greener category includes indicators relating to environmental protection, restoration and improvement.

Fairer

The fairer category focuses on ensuring that improvements benefit everyone in the North East.

An image

Cleaner

These indicators provide data about businesses and workers involved in net zero related activities and about net zero research and innovation in North East universities.

For more information visit the North East Evidence Hub

Low carbon and renewable energy economy

An ONS survey of businesses in 2020 provided an estimate of the size of the low carbon and renewable energy economy (LCREE) in the North East statistical region (including Tees Valley).

7,600 workers employed in the LCREE in the North East region.

(2020)
This is 4.4% of England's total LCREE employment.

 

£2.47 bn LCREE turnover in the North East region.

(2020)
This is 7.9% of England's total LCREE turnover.

£82.2 m in Research Council funding given to North East universities for Net Zero related projects.

(2013 to 2022)
Source: UKRI

Green and brown jobs

In the absence of official definitions, the Resolution Foundation has developed their own occupational classifications of green and brown jobs.

Green jobs are activities already consistent with delivering the net zero transition. Brown jobs require significant change to be consistent with net zero.

 

Green and brown jobs in the North East

An image

Greener

These indicators provide key data about the environment in the North East and  measure trends in renewable energy generation, transport emissions and waste.

For more information visit the North East Evidence Hub

Forestry, natural land and rough grassland makes up 41% of the North East land area

Northumbrian Water recieved ★★★☆ in the Environmental Performance Assessment 2022

Source: Environment Agency.

924,000 tonnes was the total waste collected in 2022/23 by North East local authorities

Source: DEFRA

Air quality by nitrogen dioxide concentration across the North East

Renewable energy generation in the North East statistical region

An image

Fairer

These indicators provide data about North East residents. Including measures of how transport provision and the geography of the region impact on the lives of residents. It also includes information about the energy efficiency of housing and attitudes to climate change.

For more information visit the North East Evidence Hub

Transport greenhouse gas emissions by sub-sector

Major employment centres within 30 minutes by public transport

31%

 of the North East population live in areas at high risk of transport related social exclusion.

Source: TfN

 

Distance to nearest park, public garden or playing field within built-up areas

Dwellings with EPC Band 'C' or above

75%

of the population of the North East region (including the Tees Valley) are very or fairly concerned about climate change.

Source: DESNZ public attitudes tracker (summer 2023)