Moving from climate emergency to climate resilience: pioneering plan to future proof our borough 

The effect development has on the climate is incredibly important and is at the heart of a new planning document that we are asking for feedback on. 

Our new Climate Resilience Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) puts the climate front and centre of development across our borough. 

Six years ago, we declared a climate emergency and started to plan how the council can become carbon neutral by 2030. 

Developed to help residents, developers and businesses shape a more sustainable future for the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the SPD sets out practical measures to prepare for the rising risks of extreme heat, flooding, and pollution which are already affecting London. 

Our council is among the first to bring forward a planning document focused on climate resilience, rather than only carbon reduction.  

A Royal Borough of Greenwich spokesperson said: “The climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges faced globally right now. We have said previously that we would meet our commitment to being carbon neutral by 2030 head on – and this document is proof of that. 

“It shows how we can adapt – and lead – with solutions that are green, local and practical. Urban greening – or put simply, the greening of urban space - can have a transformative effect from planting trees and hedges to more modern solutions such as planting on rooftops and sustainable drainage. It is an approach that we feel can be implemented and improved across the borough. 

“Not only can that approach help improve drainage that can prevent flash flooding and shade areas from overheating it can also aid the area’s biodiversity. Urban greening can be our climate superpower.” 

The document also outlines how to: 

• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating and transport
• Improve existing buildings through retrofit and refurbishment
• Promote a circular economy by reusing materials
• Embrace a ‘Sponge City’ approach to managing surface water and help urban spaces thrive 

The consultation is open until 19 October 2025 and you can have your say at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ClimateResilienceSurvey or by emailing planningpolicy@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.