What is Richmond Council doing?

The London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames is committed to becoming the most sustainable borough in London. We have made tackling climate change a priority and seek to set a clear and consistent lead in promoting sustainable development.

Climate Change

  • Richmond Council has signed the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change, a voluntary pledge to address the issues surrounding climate change.
  • Earlier this year Richmond Council adopted a Climate Change Strategy and set an ambitious target to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from our buildings, fleet travel and street lighting. The strategy sets out a range of measures to reduce our carbon footprint including improving insulation, switching to energy saving light bulbs, buying green fuels and installing renewable energy technologies.
  • In April 2008 42 solar panels were installed on the roof of the Civic Centre in Twickenham saving around three tonnes of CO2 per year. A live display in the reception area shows how much energy is being generated.

Transport

  • In September 2008 a Smarter Travel Scheme will be launched in the borugh to cut down the number of car trips to school, work or leisure destinations to reduce congestion, air pollution and CO2 emissions.
  • Richmond Council is set to become the first local authority to run its vehicle fleet on recycled cooking oil. From this summer, 300 vehicles including the waste fleet will be powered on 100% recycled biodiesel.
  • Last year the London Borough of Thames became the first council to introduce emission based charging for parking permits.
  • Air pollution is monitored across the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Richmond Council is taking part in a London wide air quality information service, called airTEXT, to help people who are at risk from high levels of air pollution. airTEXT works by sending FREE air pollution alerts via text message, emails or voice mail.
  • In November 2008 there will be a special public launch of 'air pollution-aware walking routes' in West London which will be available online at at walkit.com. For more information contact the Special Projects Team at specialprojects@richmond.gov.uk.

Waste and Recycling

  • In November 2007 the Council extended its recycling collection service, allowing residents to recycle plastic bottles and cardboard from home. As a result monthly recycling levels are now above 40% - higher than they have ever been.
  • For the year 2007/8 a 3% decrease in household waste generated is being forecast for the borough.