Greenwich Green Investment powers carbon-cutting upgrades driving climate action

Last year, over half a million was invested into the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s innovative climate action scheme with the sole purpose of green improvements in the borough. 

The investment raised in the first launch of the council’s Greenwich Green Investment scheme will help fund major decarbonisation works at two key council sites, supporting the borough’s journey to net zero and delivering long-term savings across public services. 

The £562,000 invested in last year has been allocated to: 

• Heating decarbonisation at The Birchmere Centre, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy efficiency at the council building.
• Decarbonisation works at the Eltham Centre, with upgrades that benefit Better, who run the leisure centre, the on-site café, and council office spaces.  

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Tackling climate change means investing in our future, and the investments made last year show just how important this is to our communities.  

“These projects are just the beginning, and it’s fantastic to see local people playing a part through the Greenwich Green Investment scheme. This is why we are relaunching a second window for people to invest. 

“Everyone benefits when we cut carbon and make our communities cleaner and greener, and we will all feel the benefits for generations to come.” 

Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value said: “This investment is a powerful example of how we’re turning ambition into action. By upgrading buildings people use every day, we’re reducing emissions and creating more sustainable spaces for everyone in our borough. 

“This is a big win for residents, local businesses and the climate, which has been made possible by the investments made in the first round of our brand-new climate action scheme.” 

The scheme will relaunch in June, helping support additional projects to tackle the climate crisis and further the council’s goal to become net zero.  

Once again, residents and organisations will have the opportunity to invest directly in the borough’s climate response, with projects selected for their environmental and community impact. 

The next phase of the scheme will also benefit from match funding support thanks to socially minded partners Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Unity Trust Bank, who have collectively committed £16 million to support councils across the UK in climate-led action.  

More information will be released as part of the relaunch in June.