Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban MBE, visited Sutton to witness the borough’s innovative climate action projects, including a Passivhaus school, the Green Energy Partnership scheme, and the Sutton Decentralised Energy Network.
Sutton welcomed Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban MBE, from the Greater London Authority (GLA) this week, as part of a tour to showcase the borough’s innovative efforts to combat the climate emergency and its ambitious sustainability plans.
The visit began at Cafe Mica in Times Square shopping centre, a participant in Sutton Council’s Green Energy Partnership scheme. The programme helps local businesses adopt sustainable practices, offering benefits such as reduced energy bills, improved customer engagement, and a 70% discount on business rates for participating businesses.
Next, the delegation visited Harris Academy Sutton, the UK’s first Passivhaus secondary school, located in Belmont. This state-of-the-art facility sets a national standard for sustainable design, minimising energy use while providing a comfortable learning environment. As part of Sutton’s London Cancer Hub masterplan, the school integrates sustainability into its education, preparing students for a future in science and sustainability.
The tour also highlighted the Sutton Decentralised Energy Network (SDEN), which delivers low-carbon heating to homes and businesses. Supported by the GLA, current work focuses on connecting the New Mill Quarter in Hackbridge to the Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) at Beddington Lane, utilising energy that would otherwise go to waste.
Sutton’s Climate Leadership
The visit underlined Sutton’s leadership in renewable energy and sustainable development. A Council statement said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Deputy Mayor to Sutton and showcase the innovative projects tackling the climate emergency. We are committed to achieving carbon neutrality and driving sustainable growth in the borough. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Mayor of London and the government to advance this important work.”
These initiatives exemplify Sutton’s dedication to addressing the climate crisis, achieving carbon neutrality, and fostering economic growth through sustainability.
ALSO READ: Hammersmith Begins Rain Garden Project to Combat Flooding
