Richmond.gov.uk
My Account

What are we doing to tackle climate change?

We have committed to becoming a Council that takes robust action to tackle the local and global threat of climate change, both internally and in partnership with local organisations and residents.

Our progress

We are working with residents, businesses, schools and community groups to build a low-carbon, climate-resilient borough. Our new Climate and Nature Strategy (2025–2030) sets out a bold roadmap for reducing emissions, restoring nature, and adapting to the new changes we face.

We are working hard to deliver our Climate and Nature Strategy and Action Plan and have been awarded a CDP A rating for the third year in global recognition for our work towards our 2030 and 2043 targets. 

Our strategies and action plan

In July 2019, we declared a climate emergency, committing to working towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

We launched a Climate Emergency Strategy (2019-2024) in 2019. This was followed by our new Climate and Nature Strategy (2025–2030), published in July 2025. 

Reducing our borough’s carbon emissions will require changes to the way we live and work, and changes from government and business. This is a unique opportunity to work together as a community to improve our quality of life and create a borough that’s healthier, better to live in and fairer for everyone.

Our priorities

Our new Climate and Nature Strategy (2025–2030) sets out a bold and inclusive roadmap for the next five years, focusing on five priority themes.

These five priorities are underpinned by two accelerating actions: our Council becoming a carbon neutral and climate organisation by 2030, and our communities supporting climate action across the borough.

Our buildings

We are working to reduce carbon emissions from homes and buildings across the borough. This includes retrofitting, improving energy efficiency and supporting residents through initiatives like the Warm Homes: Local Grant.

Our air quality and transport

We are promoting sustainable travel and tackling air pollution through cleaner transport options, active travel infrastructure and smarter planning. 

Our nature

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and green spaces is central to our strategy from tree planting to habitat restoration.

Our resources

We’re moving towards a zero-waste economy encouraging reuse, recycling and responsible consumption. This includes community engagement and circular economy initiatives.

Our resilience

We’re preparing for a changing climate, including more frequent flooding and heatwaves. Our work focuses on climate adaptation, emergency planning and supporting vulnerable communities.

Stay up to date! Make sure you subscribe to our climate change email updates.