Published: Friday, 16th December 2016

The strategy to address local impact of climate change is approved by Cabinet.

The Greener Greenwich Strategy was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday 7 December. It outlines the actions the Royal Borough intends to take to tackle climate change and air pollution across the Borough.

Key initiatives of the strategy

In September, the Royal Borough ran a series of consultation events on its Greener Greenwich Strategy and the Royal Borough's Air Quality Action Plan which were both launched in August.

The consultation included a presentation from the Deputy Leader Councillor Thorpe on the key areas and actions of the Strategy, and open discussion on plans to deal with climate change and air pollution outlined in both the Greener Greenwich Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan.

Some of the key initiatives included in the Strategy are:

  • expanding solar panel installation on Council owned properties
  • exploring technologies such as battery storage to improve energy security
  • exploring the development of district heat networks to supply locally produced lower emission energy to residents - including the investigation of an innovative water source heat pump in the River Thames to supply council homes
  • trialling smarter lower emission transport solutions such as e-bikes, electric vehicle car clubs and e-charging points through the EU funded Horizon2020 programme and the Low Emission Neighbourhood scheme.

'Forefront of tackling climate change in London'

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainability, Councillor Danny Thorpe said: "Climate change and air pollution present a significant challenge to communities globally, nationally and in Royal Greenwich. I am delighted that the Greener Greenwich Strategy which places the Royal Borough at the forefront of tackling climate change in London is being progressed.

"This strategy recognises the vital role that the council, residents and businesses can play in responding to these difficult and complex challenges. Indeed, recently we have just been awarded 'Cleaner Air Borough Status' from the Greater London Authority (GLA) for the wide range of measures we have adopted in improving air quality.

"We will continue to lobby for lower polluting hybrid buses, multi-modal river crossings and an Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) as well as a range of other measures in the borough, to help us continue our fight to improve the wellbeing of local people."