Richmond accelerates climate action through new community initiatives

Richmond Council is working with residents, community groups, and businesses to cut carbon emissions, protect nature and increase our resilience to a changing climate.

Richmond is one of only a small number of UK councils to achieve Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) ‘A List’ status for three consecutive years, recognising global leadership in climate transparency and action.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: “From repair cafés and upcycling schemes to grassroots projects creating greener neighbourhood spaces, residents are playing a vital role. Community action remains central to the progress of our climate goals.”

The Richmond Climate & Nature Strategy 2025–2030, adopted last year, sets out a clear plan to cut emissions, improve air quality, protect wildlife and strengthen resilience to flooding and extreme heat.

The Council is bolstering its support for residents who want to improve their homes and communities. The Fixery, our first repair and re-use hub opened last week – bringing people together to reduce waste, develop practical skills and foster community spirit.

Meanwhile this week, the Council launched the Smarter Homes Hub – an online source of information and advice for residents who want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The Hub helps step them through the process of making their property more comfortable, healthier, and cheaper to run.

Councillor Neden-Watts continued: “This is about practical action – cutting emissions, lowering bills and protecting the places people value most. Residents have told us they want to be part of the solution, and we need to harness that enthusiasm. We want residents to feel informed and confident in taking the next steps.”

Over the past year, the Council has continued implementing measures to support residents to live more sustainably and cut costs – including the expansion of sustainable transport, now providing more than 1,500 electric vehicle charge points and over 100 bike hangars across the borough. The Council also provided more than 400 Warm Home Packs to low-income households, helping residents stay warm while lowering energy bills.

Moreover, the Council has planted more than 800 trees in our streets and parks and given away 1,000 trees to residents, along with advice on planting and maintenance. A new programme of rain gardens and parklets is under way to help tackle local flooding and urban heat. A new Richmond Biodiversity Action Plan has also been launched, focusing on  key local habitats and species and the importance of green networks and corridors to sustain wildlife across the borough.

Richmond Council retains its ambitions to be a carbon neutral organisation by 2030, and for Richmond upon Thames to be a net zero borough by 2043.

Councillor Neden-Watts added: “Our residents challenged us to be ambitious, and Richmond has shifted from strategy to implementation: our commitment in the face of climate change is visible in action.

“By learning from – and working with – our communities, local government can lead the way to a more sustainable future.”