Redbridge Council has approved a new Climate Change Strategy aiming for net zero by 2040, outlining 138 actions across five key themes: Energy-Efficient Modern Buildings, Sustainable Connected Neighbourhoods, A Climate-Resilient Green Borough, A Thriving Green Economy, and Climate-Conscious Communities.
The strategy, adopted by the Council's Cabinet on Thursday, 26 February 2026, sets an ambitious target for the Council to become a net zero organisation by 2040. This initiative aims to accelerate decarbonisation efforts, enhance the borough's resilience to extreme weather, and empower residents to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
The strategy's five themes encompass a broad range of actions, including improving the energy efficiency of Council-owned buildings and homes, promoting renewable energy technologies, leveraging planning policy for sustainable building practices, and fostering collaboration within the local business sector. It also focuses on encouraging active travel, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, and promoting pedestrian priority in town centres.
Ensuring an Equitable Transition
The strategy acknowledges the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly those in areas of high deprivation such as Loxford, Clementswood, and Valentines, which rank among the most deprived in England. To help tackle this, targeted initiatives will be delivered to address fuel poverty and support underserved areas through grant programmes and retrofit projects for energy efficiency improvements. By focusing on the most vulnerable communities first, the Council aims to promote fairness and inclusivity, bridging the gap in energy equity and fostering a more resilient and just community.
Supporting Sustainable Lifestyles and Businesses
To encourage residents and businesses to adopt more sustainable practices, the Council will implement several support mechanisms. For residents, this includes providing information on grant funding for solar panel installations, delivering educational materials on waste minimisation and energy consumption, and partnering with community groups to offer workshops on eco-skills such as repairing electrical items, reducing food waste, composting, and growing vegetables. Advice will also be offered to homeowners and private landlords on improving property energy efficiency. Businesses will benefit from partnerships to develop circular economy initiatives, quarterly workshops on reducing carbon emissions, and dedicated support to minimise their environmental impact and improve operational efficiency. The Council will also integrate sustainable procurement into its processes and encourage the consideration of climate change in strategic decision-making.
Expanding Green Infrastructure
Concrete plans for expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure are in place, with over 469 charging points already installed across the borough and more planned. An Electric Vehicle Strategy has been developed to ensure accessible, reliable, and inclusive EV charging for all residents, visitors, and businesses over the next decade. The Council will also support Transport for London (TfL) in rolling out rapid charge points at TfL-owned sites to provide faster charging options. Furthermore, the strategy includes installing over 20km of new cycle lanes and more than 200 cycle racks and bike hangars across the borough to promote active travel.
Key Achievements and Future Commitments
Key achievements highlighted include the installation of solar panels on Redbridge Central Library and Lynton House, the switch to green electricity for all Council-owned buildings and street lighting, and securing over £2.2 million in funding for energy efficiency measures in low-income households. The Council has also planted over 65,000 new trees and created 160,000 sqm of new wild spaces.
Extensive community engagement informed the development of the strategy, with input gathered through resident panels, workshops with students, an essay competition, and an online public consultation. These insights have shaped the strategy's priorities and actions.
The Council will continue to seek external funding and partnerships to support the delivery of these climate actions, reaffirming its commitment to tackling the climate emergency and improving the quality of life for all residents. The full Climate Change Strategy 2026-30 can be found in the Public reports pack.
