Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS)
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is committed to leading by example in the protection and enhancement of the environment while delivering high-quality emergency response, prevention, and protection services. We recognise the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations.
The key objectives of TWFRS are:
- Carbon Reduction - Sustainable Buildings
- Carbon Reductions - Fleet
- Water Use and Management
- Waste Management
- Sustainable Procurement
- Training Awareness
- Firefighting Techniques
- Adapting to Climate Change
Carbon Reduction - Sustainable Buildings:
- The installation of LED lighting, occupancy sensors, and energy-efficient heating systems in all our buildings.
- Designing and constructing buildings that meet or exceed current environmental standards, including carbon-neutral or low-emission design principles.
- Integrating smart technologies, such as Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), to monitor and manage energy usage efficiently.
- Upgrading flat roofs with environmentally friendly materials and ensuring compliance with insulation standards.
- Utilising solar panels, contributing surplus energy to the national grid.
- Constructing the UK's first purpose-built carbon-neutral Tri Station in Hebburn, featuring solar power, ground source heat pumps, and biodiversity enhancements.
Carbon reductions - fleet:
- Expanding our light fleet with Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), with new additions planned for 2025/26.
- Monitoring the trial of electric fire appliances, with a view to incorporating them into our fleet when technology allows.
- Replacing senior officers' cars with Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) or BEVs.
- Installing 15 Electric Vehicle (EV) charge points across our estate, with plans to increase to 19 by 2025/26, encouraging staff to transition to EVs and PHEVs.
- Utilising solar panels on non-frontline appliances and replacing petrol-driven generators with battery-operated tools.
Water use and management:
- Implementing rainwater harvesting systems at two sites.
- Utilising commercial washroom flushing controls.
- Stormwater attenuation pond at Hebburn Tri Station to manage stormwater runoff and support local biodiversity.
- Confining foam training to a purpose-built facility at Barmston Mere to safely manage effluent and prevent environmental contamination.
Waste Management:
- Every location across our estate has dedicated recycling points.
- We have eliminated single-use plastic cups in vending machines and at our Service HQ Canteen, whilst ensuring disposable food containers are compostable.
- A third recycling regime for food waste was introduced in 2025 as per DEFRA regulations.
- Hazardous materials from operations are properly disposed of in line with environmental regulations.
Sustainable Procurement:
- We procure green electricity from renewable sources, including wind, solar, and hydro. This ruling applies to both owned and PFI estate.
- Our Procurement team holds the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) award for Corporate Ethics, ensuring responsible purchasing of uniforms, equipment, and supplies.
Training Awareness:
- Regular staff education campaigns on energy-saving, water conservation, and waste reduction.
- Partner engagement initiatives that extend our environmental efforts to the wider public, charitable organisations, and public sector partners who operate from our buildings.
- Investing in bespoke filtration equipment to remove carbon contaminants from the atmosphere at our training facility at Barmston Mere.
- Public campaigns highlighting the environmental impact of fire-related activities and the importance of false alarm reduction.
- Ensuring that water-intensive training activities are managed responsibly, minimising the use of water and preventing contamination of water sources.
- Implementing and promoting periodic cycle to work schemes.
Firefighting Techniques:
- Minimising the use of environmentally harmful chemicals, especially in foam, and sourcing eco-friendly alternatives.
- Providing environmental protection training to Incident Commanders to mitigate the impact of fire operations on air, land, and water.
Adapting to Climate Change:
- Ensuring our buildings and operations are resilient to extreme weather conditions. We test and update our Business Continuity Plans on an annual basis.
- Strengthening our flood response capabilities and collaborating with local authorities to manage flood risks.
- Partnering with environmental agencies to prevent and manage wildfires effectively.
- Introduction of 'Wildfire Awareness' training.
