Greenwich Climate Action Group outlines next steps to tackle carbon emissions

The Greenwich Climate Action Group has released new details about its efforts to reduce carbon emissions across the borough, including updates from its latest meeting held on 4th February 2025. The group shared a series of slides outlining progress on emission reductions, investment in green initiatives, and plans for upcoming working group sessions focusing on the natural environment, transport, and low carbon development.

Progress on carbon reduction

The group highlighted significant achievements in its third-year progress report for the Carbon Neutral Plan, including:

• Retrofitting 39 council buildings, saving 1,717 tonnes of CO2e per year.

• A £20 million retrofitting programme for over 600 council-owned homes.

• 200 new electric vehicle charge points installed annually.

• Achieving over 50% of the 5,000-tree planting target by 2026.

• A 2.2% reduction in Royal Borough of Greenwich’s emissions for 2023/24, amounting to a 29% decrease compared to the 2019 baseline.

Despite this progress, the group acknowledged that the borough is still short of its ambitious 2030 carbon-neutral target.

Upcoming working group sessions

The Climate Action Group has scheduled a series of sessions to involve local residents and experts in tackling key areas of concern:

• Natural Environment Working Group: 30th April, 6–7:30pm
  This session will focus on enhancing and protecting green spaces to boost biodiversity and community wellbeing. Residents are invited to share ideas on tree planting, wildlife support, and improving park areas.

• Transport Working Group: 7th May, 6–7:30pm
  Discussions will revolve around sustainable travel options, reducing traffic emissions, and supporting the Royal Borough's Transport Strategy. Topics include emission-based parking and expanding cycling and electric vehicle infrastructure.

• Low Carbon Development: 20th May, 6–7:30pm
  This meeting will explore strategies for energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy investments, and sustainable urban development as part of Greenwich’s new Local Plan.

All sessions will be held at the Town Hall and are open to the public.

Community Municipal Investments

The group also outlined plans to fund green projects through Community Municipal Investments (CMIs), which allow residents to invest as little as £5. This initiative aims to raise £1 million by the end of 2025 to support sustainable projects across the borough.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming sessions and share their views on how Greenwich can continue to lead in environmental sustainability.