Supporting climate action while creating a greener, safer borough for current and future generations remains a key priority for Kingston Council
Around 9,000 streetlights across the borough have been upgraded, delivering major savings on electricity, cutting carbon emissions, and helping Kingston Council work towards a greener future.
The ambitious council programme to modernise all of Kingston’s streetlights is now almost complete. Most of the existing lamp posts have been retrofitted with modern LED lamps, with the remaining upgrades scheduled for completion by early 2026. In cases where old posts were nearing the end of their lifespan, these have also been replaced with new, more durable LED-equipped posts. The shift to energy-efficient lighting is set to save the Council an impressive £750,000 annually on its electricity bill. With rising energy costs, the move ensures that future spending remains more stable and predictable.
Councillor Ian Manders, Portfolio Holder for Climate Action, Biodiversity and Planning Policy, praised the project: “This project shows the council being green and saving taxpayers’ money. The new lamps use less electricity and have a longer life than the old lamps, saving on the cost of power and maintenance.”
Phil Lain, Contracts Manager at VolkerHighways, the council’s delivery partner, added: “VolkerHighways is proud to have facilitated the significant reduction in energy costs for the Royal Borough of Kingston, contributing to their climate action targets through the reduction of emissions and future maintenance.”
Supporting climate action while creating a greener, safer borough for current and future generations remains a key priority for Kingston Council. The streetlight upgrade alone will cut the borough’s greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding an estimated 11,250 tonnes of carbon dioxide over 25 years, a major contribution towards Kingston’s long-term climate goals.
The financial benefits of the project are equally crucial. Like many local authorities, Kingston faces the ongoing challenge of funding vital services, including social care and children’s services, amid rising costs and limited support from central government. Projects like this help protect resources for essential community needs while supporting a more sustainable future.
Residents can learn more about the council’s efforts to tackle climate change at www.kingston.gov.uk/climate.
