The international environmental body, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), has awarded Wandsworth and Richmond Councils a prestigious ‘A’ grade for climate action.

This recognition places them among only five London authorities and 112 cities worldwide to achieve the highest score, highlighting their commitment to transparency and effective climate strategies.

Wandsworth Council has maintained its top grade for the third consecutive year, demonstrating its dedication to becoming a carbon-neutral borough by 2043. Key initiatives include securing a £4.5 million grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to enhance the sustainability of five buildings, including Putney Leisure Centre, and achieving a 90 per cent reduction in carbon emissions from its new waste collection fleet. The council has also expanded its Climate Action Microgrants Scheme and installed over 1,400 EV charging points.

Paul White, cabinet member for environment at Wandsworth, stated, “We are delighted to have received an A rating from CDP for the third year in a row, as we are committed to taking genuine steps on climate action. From our work on air quality and biodiversity improvements, to promoting active travel and more energy-efficient homes, we are making positive progress.”

Richmond Council has also been recognised for its climate efforts, marking its third consecutive year of receiving the top grade. The council has set ambitious targets, including becoming a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030 and achieving net zero borough-wide by 2043. Recent achievements include expanding the borough’s EV network to nearly 1,000 chargers, securing £7 million in external funding to decarbonise key council buildings, and launching a climate risk mapping tool.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, chair of the environment, sustainability, culture and sports committee at Richmond, emphasised the importance of community involvement, saying, “Climate action is only effective when it reflects the voices and needs of our communities. Through initiatives like our Community Reporter Scheme, we’ve worked hard to listen, learn, and incorporate diverse perspectives into our draft Climate and Nature Strategy 2025–2030.”

Both councils continue to lead by example, demonstrating that local, practical actions can significantly impact climate resilience and sustainability. Their efforts underscore the importance of long-term commitment and collaboration with communities to tackle the climate emergency effectively.

 

 

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