Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel: session four explores housing theme 

On Saturday 4 October, members of the Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel met for their fourth and penultimate session. The focus of the day was on housing and its role in addressing climate change, with discussions centred around practical, evidence-based solutions across energy, public health and planning policy. 

This session forms part of a wider programme designed to engage residents in shaping local climate action. The Citizens’ Panel is tasked with developing recommendations for Elmbridge Borough Council to support the borough’s transition to net zero and improve environmental resilience. 

Key themes covered in the fourth session: 

• Net zero transition: reducing reliance on gas boilers, improving energy efficiency, and supporting individual choices through policy.
• Energy efficiency and retrofit: innovations in heat pumps, solar panels and insulation, with a focus on making retrofit measures accessible to low-income households.
• Public health and climate: understanding the health impacts of climate change, including air quality, disease risk, and food and housing insecurity.
• Local planning policy: examining how development plans are evolving and how they can help support climate mitigation and adaptation. 

Expert talks 

Participants heard from a range of expert speakers: 

• The Climate Change Committee outlined the UK’s roadmap to net zero by 2050, with a focus on residential heating and policy reform.
• Elmbridge Borough Council presented on the role of local plans in shaping development and supporting climate objectives.
• The Surrey Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) discussed the health impacts of climate change and the importance of evidence-based policy.
• Surrey County Council shared details of community-led retrofit and solar initiatives, including support for low-income households.
• Together Housing showcased sustainable social housing projects and their Net Zero 2035 ambitions. 

Workshop activities 

Panel members took part in guided workshops to begin drafting recommendations for Elmbridge Borough Council. These recommendations will reflect community priorities and help inform future climate policies. 

Next steps 

The final session of the Citizens’ Panel will take place at the end of October. It will focus on creating and finalising recommendations based on insights gathered throughout the four sessions. 

Councillor Ashley Tilling, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environmental Services and Sustainability, said: “This session has once again demonstrated the real benefits of bringing residents together to explore practical solutions to climate change. The Citizens’ Panel is helping us understand what matters most to our community and how we can take meaningful action locally. I look forward to seeing the final recommendations and how they will help shape Elmbridge’s climate strategy.” 

Find out more about the Citizens’ Panel and view presentations from previous sessions, including those on transport, green spaces and housing.