Police force steps up to its net zero challenge

Green works at Humberside police station helps drive net zero goals and sustainability learning for force.

Priory Headquarters Police Station, Kingston-Upon-Hull, was awarded £2.5m under Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for its multi-year energy efficiency project.

The first year of works has been completed, with designs started on year two.

Humberside Police, along with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, has made a commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions. 

This includes reducing carbon emissions year on year with the goal of operating both services at net zero. The work at Priory Headquarters Police Station is pivotal to achieving this ambition.

The funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme which is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by our teams at Salix, has helped drive this goal.

We went along to talk to energy managers about the new measures installed at the police station which include solar PV and double-glazing works. We were also able to hear about its next step which is to install the air source heat pump.

Head of joint estates and force lead for sustainability, Mark Blenkinsop said the work is vital to help Hull and Humber-based organisations achieve their net zero ambitions.

He said: “One of our main aims is to reduce our carbon emissions and to achieve net zero.

“It’s very important that we provide a cleaner and healthier environment for our local communities, and to create buildings that people are comfortable to use.”

On the day we visited the station, Mark and his team were able to talk us through the challenges of conducting works in an operational police station.

Our Salix programme co-ordinator Hannah Amato said: “It’s important to always consider how these buildings are being used. Their use is fundamental and not just to the end results, but in planning and carrying out the work.”

The station is used by police officers and includes a custody unit where individuals are detained after arrest. It also provides spaces for counselling services and alcohol-related support.

It is a busy hub.

Everyone on the project team is acutely aware of the duty of care to those detained within the facility, and the police have an obligation to maintain a safe, secure, and fully operational environment.

All the time, they need to be thinking about key environmental requirements including, maintaining appropriate temperatures, air changes, and food service operations.

It’s paramount to everyone that disruption is avoided, and good communication has been key throughout the project.

Mark added: “The Humber region is one of the largest industrial clusters in the UK and is responsible for 37% of the CO2 emissions in the UK.

“It is vital therefore that as a regional force we lead by example by demonstrating good practice to reduce our impact whether that be through the efficiencies of our buildings or recycling of our waste, we all have a positive impact in the part we play.”

He explained how the force is part of a campaign called Oh Yes! Net Zero which is a community of more than 180 businesses and organisations in Hull and Humber, whose goal is to reduce the region’s carbon emissions.

The idea is that it shares the drive to reach net zero and creates a platform to learn more about good sustainability practices.

Hannah added: “It is inspiring to see how Humberside Police is using this project to showcase what can be done and is working with other sectors across the Humber reach to get to net zero.

“This goal is certainly something we all need to work on together, it is in all our interests to secure a healthier future for our planet.

“We look forward to returning when the whole Phase 3c Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme project is completed and meeting the team again to talk about the learnings.”

Thank you to Humberside Police for welcoming our team to Priory Headquarters Police Station and sharing your net zero vision.