Bold five-year roadmap for Richmond Council to build on climate action

An ambitious agenda for tackling the climate crisis, restoring local nature, and building a more resilient and sustainable borough over the next five years was launched today by Richmond Council, building on significant progress already made.

The Climate and Nature Strategy 2025–2030 focuses on the areas where the Council and community can have the biggest impact: cutting emissions from buildings, supporting greener travel and clean air, protecting and restoring nature and green spaces, moving towards a zero-waste circular economy, and helping residents and businesses prepare for climate risks.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Services Committee, said:

“Today is a significant step to working together to create a more sustainable and healthier borough. Everyone has a role to play – and this strategy is about creating the conditions for collective action and shared responsibility.

“Together, we can build the resilience of our communities against the impacts of a changing climate and shape a more sustainable future for generations to come.” 

The strategy builds on the significant progress made since the Council declared a climate emergency in 2019. In that time, Richmond Council has:

• Reduced council carbon emissions by 76.8% since 2017/18
• Secured £14.5 million in funding to decarbonise buildings
• Planted more than 2,000 trees since 2020
• Improved energy efficiency in over 200 homes occupied by low-income residents

This progress has seen Richmond Council recognised as one the world’s leading local authorities on climate action, receiving a top CDP ‘A’ rating for three years running. The Council also scored 61% on the national council climate scorecards – well above the single-tier authority average of 40% – earning a Gold star for Planning & Land Use.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Services Committee, added: 

“We are already leading the way on air quality, with some of the UK’s most ambitious targets – and the Climate and Nature Strategy will help us go even further.

“Through our award-winning Air Quality Action Plan, e-cargo hire scheme, and a growing range of active travel initiatives, we’re making sustainable travel more accessible and helping to reduce harmful emissions.

“This new strategy shows our long-term commitment to a greener, healthier and more resilient Richmond.”

The strategy has been shaped with the community at its heart. Local residents, acting as Climate Community Reporters, gathered ideas and insights from across the borough to inform the priorities and actions. That input will continue, with the Council working closely with communities, businesses and partners to promote sustainable living and climate resilience. 

Councillor Neden-Watts commented:

“This new strategy is bigger in scope and clearer about the Council’s enabling role. It sets out how the Council will lead that next phase – through direct action, partnership, and community mobilisation to reach a long-term vision for a carbon neutral and climate-ready Council by 2030, and a net zero borough by 2043.”

To mark the launch of the strategy, a special Richmond Sustainability Forum will be held on Monday 14 July 2025 from 5.30pm at Duke Street Church, featuring a panel discussion with local experts on the key themes from the strategy. The event is open to the public. Book tickets for the Richmond Sustainability Forum. 

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