There is optimism and excitement around Net Zero in the North East, but it is still unchartered territory, business leaders have said.

Key opportunities and challenges around decarbonising the region’s transport network were explored at a North East Chamber of Commerce event.

The Net Zero – Transport event, which was sponsored by train operator Lumo, saw industry experts from the region’s leading businesses discuss the practicalities of a greener transport network and how the businesses are achieving their sustainability goals.

Jack Ravenscroft, sustainability and carbon manager at Newcastle International Airport, said: “Net Zero has never been done before. It’s a new and unchartered space and that’s why sessions like today are really great to share the challenges, successes and ideas in this important area.

“A key takeaway for me from this event is the level of optimism and excitement in the room. I think particularly with the new North East Combined Authority and how transport is top of the agenda, the opportunities are there.”

Newcastle Airport has reduced its carbon footprint by 31% since 2019, this is largely down to its solar farm, which, when working at peak capacity, generates 100% of the airport’s electricity.

To achieve its goal of becoming net zero by 2035, the airport has introduced various sustainability measures and was the first UK airport to introduce an electric bus. The team has been scoping low carbon alternatives to gas boilers, including heat pumps, either from disused underground mines or an air source.

Josh Parker, director at Wingrove Motor Company, shared the company’s journey to electric.

Josh said: “By 2035, every new vehicle that is taxed will need to be electric.

“The UK is moving in the right direction - there are now more electric vehicle charging points in UK than petrol stations.”

At the end of June 2024, there were 64,775 electric vehicle charging points across the UK, across 33,829 charging locations. This represents a year-on-year increase of 46% in the number of public devices.

Richard Salkeld, head of communications and partnerships at Newcastle based, open access train operator Lumo, said: “We’re really pleased to be here today to share our story of sustainability as a provider of greener journeys, and to see what others are doing around the net zero agenda. Events like this help bring us all together to make a lasting change in the region.”

All three event speakers identified challenges around net zero ambitions, including specialist expertise, new technology, grid connectivity, building adaptations, funding and planning considerations.

Josh said: “A group of businesses will pioneer our net zero agenda as we get closer to the 2050 deadline. The Chamber is key in that it can sit within that. Businesses that want to drive net-zero will naturally speak to each other, we need to keep that engagement going.”

Richard agreed: “Partnerships are key to achieving sustainability goals, so it’s great to be having these conversations and to see what others are doing to learn from and celebrate.

Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at the Chamber, said: “There’s clearly an appetite to do more around our net zero ambitions and the Chamber will continue to work with local and national government to ensure we as a region can achieve our sustainable transport goals.”