Cleaner air, over 1,400 EV charging points and 50% of primary schools going car-free are just a few of the ways Wandsworth Council is charging ahead towards its climate goals of being a net zero borough by 2043.
Wandsworth Council is making significant strides in its mission to become a net zero borough by 2043, with cleaner air, thousands of electric vehicle (EV) charging points, and car-free zones in half of its primary schools. These efforts, part of the Wandsworth Environment and Sustainability Strategy (WESS), were reviewed during the Environment Committee meeting held recently, where the council also outlined priorities for the year ahead.
Over the past year, Wandsworth has met several key milestones in its sustainability agenda. One major achievement has been a 90% reduction in carbon emissions from the council’s new waste collection fleet, alongside the extension of food waste collections to 72,000 homes under the Cleaner Borough Plan. The council also introduced a microgrants scheme in its first year, providing £15,000 to community projects involving over 3,000 residents to support the borough’s net zero ambitions. This scheme will now be expanded for three years with a £23,000 annual fund, including dedicated resources for schools.
Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment, noted, “We review our delivery plan every year to ensure we are focusing on the right priorities and staying on track to meet our ambitious target of being a net zero borough by 2043.”
Progress Highlights
Among the accomplishments celebrated this year are notable improvements in air quality, with most areas now meeting national nitrogen dioxide standards. The borough also installed 110 new bikehangar spaces, bringing the total to over 1,300 in London’s largest bikehangar initiative. Residents benefited from 1,600 Warm Home Packs to reduce energy bills, and 1,000 new trees were planted to enhance biodiversity in parks.
“We review our delivery plan every year to make sure we are focused on the right priorities and remain on track to meet our ambitious target of being a net zero borough by 2043.”
Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment
In education, £170,000 was secured for heat decarbonisation plans in 22 schools, while Wandsworth’s Green Flag parks and its recognition for “supporting nature” by Good Parks for London underscored its commitment to environmental stewardship. Furthermore, over 40 local businesses were supported through the Making Businesses Greener Scheme, and the borough’s Library of Things continued to rank among the top three in the UK.
The council’s first-ever Sustainable September event attracted over 4,500 attendees across 69 climate action events. Gasser remarked, “We have already achieved a lot, and as we inch closer to 2043, our plans for the upcoming year show no signs of slowing down.”
Plans for the Year Ahead
Nearly half of Wandsworth’s carbon emissions stem from homes, with 44% of properties scoring poorly on energy efficiency. Retrofitting homes will be a priority, aimed at improving energy performance, reducing bills, and making homes warmer. The council plans to retrofit its own social housing stock and assist private residents with clear information and support schemes. Priority will be given to areas most in need, with a focus on developing green skills among local people.
Climate resilience is another focus for the coming year, addressing weather emergencies like flooding and heatwaves. This includes additional staff training, reviewing high-risk areas, and providing residents with guidance to protect themselves against climate-related challenges.
Air quality remains a top priority, with the council continuing to work with the Air Quality Citizens Assembly and Air Quality Ambassadors to educate and involve residents in improving the local environment.
Community Engagement
Wandsworth Council emphasises its collaborative approach, working closely with residents, businesses, and local organisations. A key opportunity for public engagement is the upcoming Wandsworth Sustainability Network meeting on Tuesday, 18 March, where residents can learn more about the borough’s plans and share their perspectives.
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