How we're delivering the Carbon Neutral Plan

Most of our Empowering Wider Change actions are focused on reducing borough emissions through community capacity building.  

The borough is home to over 11,000 businesses, most of which are micro businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Three per cent of borough emissions comes from about 2,000 companies which are engaged in construction related activities. 
 
However, we continue to recognise areas where our decisions can cut carbon emissions, such as procurement processes and pension investments.  
 
As a result, we are forming partnerships and empowering our communities to create new projects, ideas, and actions that will cut carbon emissions. Residents, businesses, council staff, educators, and volunteers make up our communities.  
 
Although fewer tangible carbon reductions can be assessed using this theme, it is an extremely potent tool for making communities and individuals feel empowered by taking climate action. 

Where possible, we make estimations on carbon reduction figures and take a conservative approach so as not to overestimate our success.    

Our actions 

We will ensure there are robust governance processes around the performance management and overall delivery of the carbon neutral plan.   

We have committed to empowering our communities and aspire to build capacity in the green skills sector through engagement and training programmes.  

We are also committed to improving how we do business by engaging with our suppliers to operate more sustainably through our procurement practices.  

Progress so far

As part of the public consultation on the draft carbon neutral plan, we have: 

• developed a partnership of local organisations focused on tackling climate change, where members can inspire and collaborate to reduce emissions
• expanded our Climate Emergency Network, consisting of residents committed to addressing climate change
• incorporated feedback from Greenwich Young Commissioners and involving young people in future activities through our Children’s Services department
• committed £42.5 million from the Royal Borough of Greenwich Pension Fund to the LCIV Renewable Infrastructure Fund, which supports wind and solar projects
• collaborated with organisations and community groups to promote sustainable food practices and reduce food waste through the Good Food in Greenwich network

The Empowering Wider Change Action Plan gives more details of the specific actions we’re taking.

Read the full Action Plan for Empowering Wider Change: