Climate change
Hackney Pension Fund set a 2040 net zero target, while councils are enhancing extreme weather plans and addressing water sustainability.
Hackney Pension Fund set a net zero emissions target by 2040 in September 2026, reporting a 29.4% reduction in its scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint since March 2023, as stated in its Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures report. This follows Westminster Pension Fund identifying climate change as a significant risk in July 2026, with members urging its explicit inclusion in the fund's risk register. Lewisham Pension Fund also updated its investment strategy in March 2026 to include a Carbon Transition to Net Zero Policy.
Councils are also focusing on local climate action and adaptation. Kingston Council updated its extreme weather plans in September 2026 to prepare for anticipated increases in events like extreme heat and flooding. Enfield Council backed a motion in September 2026 calling for greater water sustainability and new reservoirs to meet growing demands. Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026, citing climate change concerns.
Hackney Council approved a new heat network in July 2026, expected to reduce lifetime carbon emissions by over 100,000 tonnes. The council also published the timetable for its new Local Plan in July 2026, which will address climate change. Islington Council's Community Energy Fund supported six new projects to reduce carbon emissions in March 2026, and Hackney's Cabinet is scheduled to discuss climate change on October 6, 2026.
Key facts
- Hackney Pension Fund set a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Source
- Hackney Pension Fund reported a 29.4% reduction in its scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint since March 2023. Source
- Enfield Council backed a motion in September 2026 calling for greater water sustainability. Source
- Kingston Council reviewed its corporate risk register on September 3, 2026, to enhance extreme weather plans. Source
- Hackney Council approved a contract for a new heat network in July 2026, expected to reduce lifetime carbon emissions by over 100,000 tonnes. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.