Haringey Council has reported a significant 26% reduction in borough-wide carbon emissions since 2015, with a further 6% decrease recorded in the last year. However, this progress falls short of the ambitious target to achieve a Net Zero Carbon Borough by 2041, as a 51% reduction was required by 2023. The current rate of reduction is noted as being well below the 51% reduction needed to stay on track for our 2041 net zero target. ¹

The findings were detailed in the Fifteenth Annual Carbon Report, presented at the Full Council meeting on March 16, 2026. Emissions have fallen across all major sectors, supported by the decarbonisation of electricity. High energy and other costs are also likely to have been a factor for reduced gas use in heating buildings. The reduction rate has accelerated, recovering from a slow rate in the previous year as the rebound effect post-COVID has eased off.²

A bar chart showing Haringey's total emissions and emissions in individual sectors in 2023 compared to 2022, with percentage changes indicated.
Haringey's total emissions and in individual sectors in 2023 compared to 2022

Councillor Ibrahim Ali, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Environment, emphasized that Haringey's per capita emissions, currently at 2.2 tCO₂e, remain considerably lower than the London and neighbouring borough averages. Haringey's per capita emissions of 2.2 tCO₂e in 2023 are below the London average of 3.2 tCO₂e per capita and the average of neighbouring boroughs, which stands at 3.0 tCO₂e per capita.³

A bar chart comparing carbon emissions in Haringey and the UK across different sectors, including food, transport, services, housing, goods, and government/capital investment.
Haringey and UK carbon emissions by sector

He also pointed out that the council's own corporate emissions have seen a substantial reduction of 66% since 2014/15. This reduction was achieved despite a temporary increase linked to the insourcing of three leisure centres, which the report states reflects the energy demand of these buildings. ⁴

Illustration representing renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels on a globe, symbolizing environmental sustainability and the council's commitment to carbon reduction.
Renewable energy and sustainability

The report also outlined the allocation of £2.23 million from Haringey's Carbon Offset Fund. This investment is being directed towards seven programmes focused on decarbonising the corporate estate, addressing fuel poverty, expanding renewable energy initiatives, enhancing green skills, and promoting behaviour change.⁵

To improve future reporting, a community outreach plan has been established to review and co-design the format and accessibility of subsequent Annual Carbon Reports. This plan includes co-design workshops with the Haringey Climate Partnership, exploration of an interactive webpage, surveys on Commonplace, and in-person engagement in accessible locations. The aim is to make the ACR more useful for residents, community organisations, councillors and officers, which will improve accountability and inspire climate action and behaviour change across the borough. A new report format is expected in March 2027.⁶

A group of people are seated at tables in a room, with one person raising their hand to ask a question.
Community engagement meeting

¹ Full Council Report - Fifteenth Annual Carbon Report.pdf ² Full Council Report - Fifteenth Annual Carbon Report.pdf ³ Appex 5 ipmrlondon2023report-_.pdf ⁴ Full Council Report - Fifteenth Annual Carbon Report.pdf ⁵ Full Council Report - Fifteenth Annual Carbon Report.pdf ⁶ Full Council Report - Fifteenth Annual Carbon Report.pdf