The 7 amazing green projects putting Hull on the sustainability map
Hull is a pioneering city that has never been short of forward-thinkers, ready to lead the fight against the world’s challenges.
The ever-increasing threat posed by climate change now looms large on the horizon but, in truth, its affects are already being felt across the globe. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) recent report laid bare the undeniable fact that our planet is facing up to irreversible damage, described as a “code red for humanity”.
But in Hull and the East Riding, there are some incredible eco initiatives already underway. Here’s a glimpse into its green future and a look at the projects leading the way:
1. Lagoon Hull
Where else would we start?
When it comes to radical plans to combat the effects of rising sea levels, Hull is in desperate need. But it also has an amazing solution.
Our infrastructure, placemaking and sustainable concept is, in short, a six-mile-long causeway in the Humber, which will act as a physical barrier to the rising water level. We want to build a road into the flood defence to reduce congestion in the city centre, and therefore cut carbon emissions caused by drivers being sat in queues.
The eastern end of the project will also include more space for the growing green energy sector. It’s also projected to create a tourist haven, new waterfront living space and even wildlife considerations. Want to know more? Click here.
2. Northern Forest
While our project focuses on addressing the consequences of climate change, the Northern Forest looks at tackling the cause.
£14.8m from the Government's Nature for Climate Fund is to be spent by the Woodland Trust on at least 50 million trees to be planted between Hull and Liverpool. The project got underway in 2018 with the aim of absorbing carbon emissions and reducing flood risk – a cause particularly close to the hearts of Hull and the East Riding residents.
3. Hull hospitals’ Net Zero ambition
Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital are striving for a national first.
Earlier this year, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust declared its intention to hit Net Zero carbon emissions by the end of the decade.
Plans are in place to replace gas-fired boilers with air source heat pumps and insulate rooves, while bosses are also working on installing a solar panel field near Castle Hill, Cottingham.
4. The Green Corridor
Hull’s community groups have a long history of working hard for their patches and the Green Corridor project is another fine example.
Last year, the Stepney cycle path, between the former Stepney Lane Station and Duesbery Street, was transformed into an eco-friendly inner-city zone perfect for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. Funded by Safer Hull Community Crime Reduction Fund and working with Avenues Action, Princes Avenue Community and Traders and Berkeley Street Neighbourhood Watch, the community hub regularly hosts conservation events and litter picking groups.
5. University students getting on their bike
Come September, the streets around the University of Hull’s campus become congested as students return to campus and the increase in cars takes its toll on the road network.
But it doesn’t need to be that way.
R-evolution, an East Yorkshire-based cycle charity, has opened a new cycle hub on the University of Hull campus to offer affordable, green transport to learners. The bright, reflective livery, supplied by Hull firm Brandfixx, means they’ll be hard to miss when making their way around the city.
On top of their work at the uni, R-evolution also has bike hire and mending facilities in Trinity Market and Cottingham.
6. Albion Square’s urban park
At first glance, a new shopping centre with offices and apartments doesn’t scream ‘green’.
But in the centre of the Albion Square development, located in Hull’s city centre, is a large, eco-friendly, urban park. A publicly-accessible urban woodland with solar panels and charging points for electric vehicles are all also planned.
7. Bio-D ‘cleans up’ the UK’s act
As businesses across the country become increasingly aware of the dangers of single-use plastics to our environment, one Hull business has taken a lead.
Bio-D, based in east Hull, specialises in ethical cleaning products and took the step last year to create a truly circular economy. The firm implemented a laundering system for its 20L containers, meaning they can now be returned to be cleaned before they are refilled and reused. As a market leader, Bio-D is continuing to grow and fly the flag for Hull’s sustainable innovation sector across the country, with its products stocked in national retailers all over the UK.