Sutton's Carbon Emissions Drop 44% Since 2007, But Waste Management Concerns Raised

11 October 2025

Sutton has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint, with borough-wide carbon emissions dropping by 44.1% since 2007, according to a recent Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee meeting. Council operations have seen an even greater reduction of 55% since 2009-10. These reductions have been achieved through initiatives such as the Green Enterprise Partnership Scheme and mainstreaming climate action through staff training.

The Environment Strategy and Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP) sets ambitious targets for the future, including ensuring that 63% of journeys in Sutton are made by walking, cycling, or public transport, and that 70% of people are doing 20 minutes of active travel a day, both by 2041. The full details of the plan can be found in the Climate Emergency Response Plan 2025.

Katrina Lloyd, sustainability manager, presented the CERP annual update to the committee, highlighting key initiatives such as the Green Enterprise Partnership Scheme. This scheme's Go Green Scheme supports businesses to reduce their environmental footprint and has achieved regional, national and international recognition. In 2024/25, 128 businesses participated, with 90 qualifying for business rates relief and achieving an average emissions reduction of 20%. A pilot with 10 care homes in the borough is currently underway as part of this initiative.

However, the report also acknowledged challenges. Councillor Nick Mattey raised concerns about waste management, recycling rates, and breaches of environmental permits issued to Viridor. Jennifer Siegley, Director of Environment and Planning, addressed these points, noting the council's concerns and ongoing discussions with the Environment Agency and with Viridor to prevent future occurrences.

The full minutes of the meeting, including reports and appendices, are available on the council website.

Councils Involved

Sutton

Meetings Involved

the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee of Sutton Council on 9 October 2025

People Involved

Councillor Christopher Woolmer Chair: Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee • Liberal Democrat • Sutton West and East Cheam

Councillor Isabel Araujo Vice Chair: Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee; Vice Chair: Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee • Liberal Democrat • Carshalton Central

Councillor Trish Fivey Chair: Licensing Committee • Liberal Democrat • Sutton South

Councillor Andrew Jenner Chair: Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee • Liberal Democrat • Carshalton Central

Councillor Muhammad Sadiq Chair: Beddington and Wallington Local Committee • Liberal Democrat • Wallington South

Councillor Luke Taylor Liberal Democrat • Sutton West and East Cheam

Councillor Steve Alvarez Local Conservatives • St Helier West

Councillor James McDermott-Hill Deputy Leader of the Opposition • Local Conservatives • North Cheam

Councillor Tony Shields Chair: Sutton South, Cheam and Belmont Local Committee • Local Conservatives • Cheam

Councillor Nick Mattey Sutton Independent Residents • Beddington

Councillor Barry Lewis Leader of the Council • Liberal Democrat • Wallington North

Topics

carbon footprint Environment Strategy and Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP) Green Enterprise Partnership Scheme waste management recycling rates Viridor Environment Agency sustainability manager Director of Environment and Planning