Concerns have been raised about the potential for solar panel installations on council housing estates to exacerbate overheating issues, particularly for those with older district heating systems.

A map of London showing projected temperature increases by 2050 under the SSP2 scenario, indicating a 2°C rise.
A map of London showing projected temperature increases by 2050 under the SSP2 scenario, indicating a 2°C rise.Source: Environment Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

The Environment Scrutiny Commission at Southwark Council discussed climate adaptation and resilience, where Councillor Ruth Bannister highlighted worries about energy usage in aging council housing estates with district heating systems and the potential implications of solar panel installations.

During the meeting on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, officers presented a comprehensive update on the council's climate adaptation and resilience efforts. They detailed the increasing risks posed by climate change, including extreme heat, flooding, and drought, noting that these impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable residents and areas with higher levels of deprivation.

The commission heard that the council's Climate Action Plan integrates adaptation measures across five themes: Buildings and Energy, Streets and Transport, Natural Environment, Greener Economy, and People and Resources.

Councillor Bannister specifically raised concerns about energy usage in older estates with district heating systems, questioning the council's approach to managing these systems and exploring alternatives. She also pointed out that some estates have excellent roof space for solar panels, but expressed a desire to see this integrated into future plans.

Officers acknowledged the challenges, particularly around funding and the need for cultural change within the council and among contractors to embed climate considerations into all decision-making. They outlined ongoing work, including the development of a Borough Action Plan with new metrics and efforts to improve housing stock resilience. The metrics within this plan are intended to drive delivery and change, aligning with the Climate Change Strategy and Climate Action Plan to ensure adaptation and resilience support the council's strategic objectives and outcomes for residents. Councillor Graham Neale sought clarification on how success is measured in these efforts, requesting more specific targets. In response, it was indicated that as the next iteration of the nature action plan is developed, there will be a focus on having very measurable deliverables.

The discussion also touched upon the importance of considering both heat and cold weather resilience, with Councillor Catherine Dawkins suggesting that extreme weather resilience should be incorporated into the heat resilience review. The commission agreed to consider these suggestions as part of its future work programme.

A map of London showing areas with varying levels of 'Overall Risk', indicated by a color gradient from red (high) to blue (low). The map highlights the River Thames and borough boundaries, with labels for London, Lambeth, and Camberwell.
A map of London showing areas with varying levels of 'Overall Risk', indicated by a color gradient from red (high) to blue (low). The map highlights the River Thames and borough boundaries, with labels for London, Lambeth, and Camberwell.Source: Environment Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

Icons illustrating potential impacts of climate change and disruptions, including IT service disruption, concerned residents, increased reliance on emergency services, introduction of diseases, damage to infrastructure, missed waste collections, and overcrowding.
Icons illustrating potential impacts of climate change and disruptions, including IT service disruption, concerned residents, increased reliance on emergency services, introduction of diseases, damage to infrastructure, missed waste collections, and overcrowding.Source: Environment Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026