Local Environmental projects celebrated in East Yorkshire, to mark ‘Earth Day’

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Driffield Solar Car Port

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is marking Earth Day 2026, highlighting the renewable energy projects in the region that are benefitting local communities, and helping to reduce carbon emissions. 

Council-owned leisure centres across the East Riding, in Beverley, Bridlington, Hornsea, Driffield and Pocklington, have installed solar carports. This will save them £100,000 a year on electricity bills.

The scheme, which received £350,000 from the government‑owned energy company Great British Energy, is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by 426 tonnes over the next 25 years

Similarly, a solar farm extension at the council‑owned South Cliff Holiday Park will save approximately £45,000 a year in energy bills, amounting to almost £1.3m in savings over its lifetime.

The council is further supporting the environment via the Humber Forest, which has planted one million trees since its inception. The trees play a key role in flood prevention, increasing biodiversity, and reducing carbon emissions.

Residents across the East Riding are also benefitting from renewable energy infrastructure through wind farm-funded local community funds.

The funds, provided by developers as part of their corporate responsibility commitments, are designed to give back to the communities that host renewable energy projects. The funds have supported a wide range of projects, from local community buildings to sports clubs and youth groups.

Residents are also playing their part to support the environment, with East Riding amongst the best recycling areas in the whole country, winning national awards for its recycling rates and schemes.

Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for environment and transport said “We’re dedicated to supporting the environment and we’re proud to highlight these fantastic projects across the East Riding. From planting trees to installing solar panels at our leisure centres, we are playing our part to support nature, reduce carbon emissions and help local communities.”

More information about local community funds, and guidance on how to apply, can be found at:  https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/grants-and-funding/rural-funding/ 

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