Blog

The North East of England has long been recognised for its strong communities and deep-rooted industrial heritage. While these qualities place the region in a strong position to lead the UK’s transition to net zero by 2050, the real opportunity isn’t just in reducing emissions. It’s in reframing climate action as something that delivers wider benefits first, with greenhouse gas reductions emerging as a natural consequence.

In 2026 Newcastle City Council will introduce food waste collection in the city. To prepare for this city wide rollout they asked INE to help them evaluate their Food Waste Pilot in the West End of Newcastle that started in September 2024.

The Environmental Act 2021 is driving a major shift in how households across England handle their food waste, requiring all local authorities to introduce dedicated collection services by 31 March 2026. To get ready for this change, Newcastle City Council launched a pilot scheme in the city’s West End in September 2024. Insights North East, together with researchers from Northumbria and Newcastle Universities, are partnering with the council to support the pilot’s implementation and evaluation.

How can policymakers improve participation in food waste collection schemes? What is the profile of residents who would participate and not participate in the food waste scheme?

On 23rd October, academic experts, policymakers, and practitioners came together in a panel event to tackle a pressing question: How can we transition to a sustainable North East?

On April 15, 2024, Newcastle University hosted the second event in the Climate Action Series, focusing on the transformative potential of retrofitting and exploring how retrofitting can drive sustainability in our domestic and commercial spaces.