Introduction

The threat to our climate is real and it is now indisputable that the changes to our environment are rapid, accelerating and a threat to how we live.

That is why the Royal Borough of Greenwich declared a climate emergency in 2019 and have set an ambitious target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

We set this ambitious target because the risks associated with climate change are real and serious.

With miles of riverfront, the risk of floods is particularly real for us in Royal Greenwich. But droughts, heatwaves and other extreme weather conditions will also have a massive impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents.

The Carbon Neutral Plan builds on progress over recent years as part of our Greener Greenwich strategy. We consulted with the community on the draft plan in early 2021.

As a Council, we’re proud that we’re already:

building zero carbon homes
creating safer routes for walking and cycling
creating controlled parking zones to discourage car use
installing electric vehicle charging points
planting thousands of extra trees
procuring 100% green electricity for council buildings
developing a feasibility study for establishment of low carbon District Heat Networks in the borough
preparing a business case to find solutions for private sector housing such as installing ground source heat pump ambient loops
setting up and strengthening partnerships with businesses and local organisations to help reduce emissions across the borough.

'But we know we need to do a lot more'

In 2021 the immediate threat to our health and wellbeing has been COVID-19. It has kept us apart. But it has also forced us to re-think how we live and work, and demonstrated we have the capability to address huge challenges.

Concurrent with finalising this plan, global leaders are meeting in Glasgow for COP26. But responsibility for addressing climate change resides at all levels: for individuals, businesses and other organisations, for local, regional and national communities, as well as through collective global action.

Solving climate change is an opportunity to improve quality of lives in many ways such as developing the businesses and technologies which ensure economic prosperity into the future as well as enabling low carbon lifestyles, saving money and increasing prosperity through reducing consumption of finite resources.

As a Council, we want to lead by example and use our influence to engage and support people and organisations in the borough to address this huge challenge and fulfil new opportunities.

Cllr Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Council and Cllr Sarah Merrill, Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainability & Transport