Our journey so far
Since we declared a climate emergency in 2019, we have been working to improve sustainability. Read on to find out more about our journey so far.
Declared climate emergency
July 2019
We declared a Climate Emergency and pledged to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.
LED lighting in the Civic Centre (council office)
2019
LED lighting upgrade project for part of the Civic Centre commenced including installing the suspended ceiling and LED upgrade as part of the Surrey Works Programme.
Carbon Management and Reduction Plan 2030 published
September 2020
Our Carbon Management and Reduction Plan 2030 (PDF) (CMRP) was first published. (The latest version of our CMRP was published in July 2023). We also endorsed the strategic ambitions and priorities of Surrey’s Climate Change Strategy.
Community environmental improvement planting
2020
Involving local communities in the planting of new trees and local groups was encouraged to improve their local areas with additional planting.
Grass verges
2021
We trialled a new grass verge management approach on a section of Hampton Court Way between Thames Ditton and Molesey, leaving the grass verges uncut until autumn to create a mini green highway which encouraged new habitats and boosted biodiversity.
Local schools awarded prizes for winning waste reduction scheme competition
November 2021
Greenredeem (part of Rethink Waste) competition was aimed at reducing the amount of waste produced in Elmbridge. Residents singed up and carried out activities to help them reduce waste and win points for doing so. The competition saw schools in Elmbridge compete for points to be donated to them, with Esher Church School and Grovelands Primary School both winning a prize.
Electric vehicle charging points in Elmbridge
August 2022
Electric vehicle chargepoints (EVCs) installed in the Hollyhedge Road car park in Cobham, the Churchfield Road car park in Weybridge and the Civic Centre car park in Esher. Each car park has 4 EVCs, with each twin charger providing a maximum 22kW to one vehicle, or 11kW to two vehicles when both sockets are in use.
Increasing biodiversity and woodland regeneration works
November 2022
Our countryside team cleared 75% of the undergrowth, removed holly and thinned the canopy to let light through from Weybridge Heath, which has allowed native plants to grow, improved public access, increased biodiversity and helped woodland regeneration.
Solar PV installation on council buildings
December 2022
A key action is to reduce the carbon output from our significant buildings, and as part of our retrofit measures we have installed solar panels on the council owned Xcel Leisure Complex, as well as at our Centres for the Community in Walton, Cobham, Claygate, Hersham and Molesey, as well as Hersham Village Hall. The 973 solar panels at Xcel are estimated to reduce electrical consumption on site and an estimated 75t CO2 saving per year.
Anti-idling campaign launched
February 2023
As part of the Sustainable Elmbridge programme, we have launched #IdleFreeElmbridge, a campaign to raise awareness surrounding idling and the potential risks it poses to Elmbridge’s air quality. We are encouraging local businesses, communities, schools and residents to support the campaign and the pledge to keep Elmbridge idle-free. We also delivered a series of presentations to schools on the campaign.
Green Fleet Strategy
February 2023
Our work to become carbon neutral by 2030 and support a sustainable Elmbridge continues with the approval in February of the Green Fleet Strategy 2030 (PDF) and phased vehicle replacement programme setting out our plan to decarbonise the council’s fleet vehicles by 2030.
Advice on open fires and woodburning stoves
February 2023
While open fires and woodburning stoves have risen in popularity, the smoke from burning causes air pollution which can harm your health and those around you. We have shared guidance to improve the quality of the air we breathe, as well as maximising efficiency for those using them. (For example, choose the right appliance; buy ‘Ready to Burn’ fuel; use approved solid fuels; consider burning less; don't burn treated wood or household rubbish; and complete regular maintenance.)
Corporate plan - Elmbridge Vision 2030 launched
March 2023
We launched our Vision 2030 for Elmbridge, which has sustainability and climate change at its heart - a sustainable, thriving Elmbridge driven by the power of our community.
Elmbridge Eco Hub reducing waste
March 2023
We support the inspirational Elmbridge Eco Hub and their diverse service offerings, which include a community fridge, repair shop and library of things, helping residents to reduce their food and general waste.
Supporting local businesses - vegan market
March 2023
Residents and visitors to Cobham sampled fabulous food, drink, crafts and products at the Cobham Ethical Vegan Market on Saturday 11 March on Hollyhedge Road. It is created by small independent businesses and highlighted the best of vegan street food, artisan bakes, craft vegan cheeses, handmade cosmetics, ethical clothing and jewellery, arts and crafts.
Elmbridge properties achieved MEES compliance
April 2023
We partnered with CSR Sustain to help us meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements (MEES) on 150 properties and support us with MEES compliance, and we have achieved 96% compliance against the April 2023 MEES deadline.
Green Business Boost launch
May 2023
For our businesses we have introduced a Green Business Boost programme to support them to decarbonise and become more competitive.
Solar car port installed at Civic Centre car park
June 2023
We installed a solar panel car port in the Civic Centre pay and display car park, just off Esher High Street. Working alongside Joju Solar, one of the UK’s leading designers and installers of solar panels, the installation commenced in May and the project was completed in June.
Sustainable Elmbridge engagement strategy and action plan
July 2023
Our existing community groups focused on climate change and sustainable best practices are leading the way on making Elmbridge sustainable. The Sustainable Elmbridge engagement strategy (PDF) and action plan (PDF) set out how we can engage with and support them to achieve the carbon neutral goal and empower individuals to make the essential culture changes.
Biodiversity and ecology work programme
July 2023
Biodiversity and ecology are important areas which we need to support, protect and enhance to tackle the biodiversity crisis we face. One of the key components of our Elmbridge Vision 2030 is to enhance our natural environment and sustainability, and our biodiversity and ecology work programme (PDF) sets out how we are working to create the best environment for wildlife and biodiversity to thrive.
Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for sustainability projects
July 2023
Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding was agreed as part of the strategic priority programme (PDF) for sustainability projects, including the Green Fleet Strategy and countryside improvements.
Climate change champions launched
September 2023
We launched our internal climate change champions group, which brings together colleagues from across the organisation to further embed sustainability into our day-to-day operations.
Climate community champions conference held
November 2023
To deepen our engagement with our climate change and sustainability groups in Elmbridge, we brought them together for our climate community champions conference. We fed back on our current plans and took away feedback, as well as having the groups feed into our engagement action plan and the start of our carbon neutral borough by 2050 plans.
Electric vehicle chargepoints in Elmbridge
November 2023
Building on our electric vehicle chargepoints (EVC) provision additional EVCs have been installed for our fleet as well as increasing the number of publicly available EVC for residents to charge at the Civic Centre, Community Transport Depot, Drewitts Court Pay and Display Car Park, as well as at the Claygate, Cobham, Hersham, Molesey and Walton Centres for the Community. The installations expand the network of EVCs in Elmbridge which residents can use.
DM Advice Note 7 - Supporting biodiversity and encouraging nature in development published
August 2023
Our planning policies require development to preserve, manage and, where possible, enhance biodiversity by conserving existing wildlife habitats, creating new habitats, and providing links to the green infrastructure network. This reflects our duty to have regard to biodiversity conservation when exercising all public functions and to consider how a development might affect protected and priority sites, species, and habitats. To support this a specific Development Management (DM) Advice Note, the DM Advice Note 7 – Supporting biodiversity and encouraging nature in development (PDF) was published to support the supplementary planning documents.
Sustainable Elmbridge hub for residents published
February 2024
We created a Sustainable Elmbridge hub to give our residents more interactive and accessible information on how they can help improve sustainability in Elmbridge.
Risk register: climate change impacts included
February 2024
Our Strategic Risk Register (PDF) was approved by Cabinet and Council, and it acknowledges the impact of climate change.
Air pollution monitoring expands
April 2024
An additional real time monitoring station was installed in Esher High Street, so we now have 3 real time monitoring stations, 2 measuring nitrogen dioxide and 1 measuring particulates. Residents can see current nitrogen dioxide levels at Hampton Court Parade, East Molesey and Weybridge High Street and particulate levels in Esher High Street on UK air quality. We also carry out non automatic monitoring within the district using over 40 passive diffusion tubes to measure nitrogen dioxide.
Sustainable Procurement Policy published
May 2024
Our sustainable procurement policy (PDF) has been published, which aims to meet the needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way that achieves value for money for the council, society and the economy, while minimising damage to the environment.
Solar Together scheme relaunched
July 2024
We are part of the consortium for the Surrey Solar Together scheme, which has relaunched for another round, giving our residents another way to move forward with their solar panel plans.
Draft Local Plan examination
July 2024
A sustainable Elmbridge is fundamental to our draft Local Plan which sets out how we can connect communities through active travel methods such as walking and cycling, as well as how we can build more energy efficient homes, which is an element in the creation of the Elmbridge Design Code. Updates on the examination in public process are available to view.
Electric vehicle chargepoints (EVC) future provision plan
July 2024
We have set out background and provision priorities for our off-street electric vehicle chargepoints (EVC) in the EBC public EVC provision report (PDF) and the delivery option (PDF) for future EVC provision in our council car parks.
Elmbridge Community Climate Action Fund (ECCAF) launch
July 2024
We have launched the Elmbridge Community Climate Action Fund (ECCAF) to support community groups and organisations to help deliver carbon reduction projects and initiatives to improve sustainability in Elmbridge. To reach as many eligible applicants for ECCAF as possible, in addition to sending out the details, we have used a comprehensive communications plan (social media, press release, as well as featuring it, as we do with our sustainability news in the Residents Newsletter).
Green Fleet Strategy monitoring
July 2024
We report quarterly on the number of electric vehicles (EVs) within our fleet as part of the Performance Monitoring report to Cabinet. The most recently published quarterly climate change update (PDF) went to July Cabinet, setting out that at the end of 2023 to 2024 we have 8 electric vehicles in our fleet of 30. The EVs include 3 pool cars for employees to use, which will help to decrease our business travel emissions.
Single Use Plastic Policy launched
July 2024
Our Single Use Plastic (SUP) Policy was launched, which aims to reduce, and remove where possible, the use of Single Use Plastic from the council’s operations and services.
Air Quality Annual Status Report published
July 2024
The latest Annual Status Report (PDF) has been published and gives details of our monitoring results for 2023, updates on the Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP), actions and priorities, including the engagement with schools on anti-idling and air quality as part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) air quality grants for school projects we secured.
Sustainable Elmbridge engagement Climate Panel
July 2024
We have approved to move forward with holding a climate panel (PDF) to engage with a wider range of residents to help shape the plans for a carbon neutral borough by 2050. We will commence the process for this in the autumn.
Sustainable Procurement Policy
August 2024
We published our new Sustainable Procurement Policy to meet the needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way that achieves value for money for the council, communities, and the economy, while minimising damage to the environment.
Anti-idling pledge for businesses
August 2024
Together with the community and businesses, we are working on reducing engine-idling in the borough. Businesses can now get involved by signing a pledge to become an idle free organisation. In doing so they receive a useful anti-idling information pack to encourage their employees to switch off their engines.
A boost for active travel during car free week
September 2024
Residents who travelled actively during Car Free Week claimed their rewards at one of our ‘Smoothie Bike drop-in’ events in Cobham, Walton and Weybridge. They were invited to blend their own smoothie and get a free five-day Xcel leisure pass when they made a pledge to travel in a more environmentally friendly way.
Air Text
October 2024
We relaunched the new airTEXT service tailored to send air pollution alerts and health advice to residents and visitors who may be more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Residents can sign up to receive alerts through text, email, or voicemail. They can also choose specific areas for which they wish to receive alerts, depending on where they live or work.
Single Use Plastic business tool kit
October 2024
To help businesses say no to single use plastics, we developed a simple toolkit including posters, digital banners and a short you-tube animation illustrating tangible actions that can be shared with their employees and business partners.
Free climate change training for community groups
November 2024
We offered free training for community groups in Elmbridge to equip them with the knowledge and tools to create impactful environmental projects.
December 2024
Surrey’s first habitat bank
Wild Capital and Elmbridge Borough Council have completed Surrey's first habitat bank in Cobham within the river Mole Biodiversity Opportunity Area with official listing on the national Biodiversity Net Gain register (BNG). The project enables Elmbridge to achieve sustainable development goals through the creation, restoration and protection of vital habitats.
Grant funding available for Elmbridge residents to improve energy efficiency of homes
The Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) made available to low-income or stretched-income households with hard-to-heat properties.
February 2025
Online training opportunities for community groups on behaviour change
A free online training session designed for local community groups with insights from the UCL Climate Action Unit, to learn about behaviour change, gain insights into climate change, and discover tips for encouraging others to join you on this sustainable journey.
Free home energy improvement guide for Surrey residents
Surrey residents planning to improve their homes with energy-efficient upgrades can now access support through the free home energy improvement guide from Surrey County Council.
March 2025
Enhancing Xcel's sustainability for the future
To enhance energy efficiency, a new solar thermal system, LED lighting, and a pool cover, were installed at the Xcel leisure complex as well as new solar photovoltaic panels and a battery storage system at the Sports Hub.
Resident climate change survey
Resident survey to gain input and feedback on building a greener Elmbridge and shaping initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint and meet carbon reduction targets by 2050 ran from February into March.
Launch of Elmbridge Community Climate Action Fund
April 2025
The Elmbridge Community Climate Action Fund (ECCAF) opened to support local projects that promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions in the community.
May 2025
Junior Citizen 2025: Empowering the next generation
The Junior Citizen Programme, held in March and April, hosted workshops for year 6 pupils to learn essential health and safety skills, including sessions from Oxshott Net Zero on Take the JUMP.
Climate Change Citizen’s Panel - building a carbon-neutral and sustainable Elmbridge together with the community
The Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel was recruited to help develop an effective carbon-neutral plan that aligns with the community's needs.
From waste to wildflowers
Improvement works in Claygate to clear waste and prevent future fly-tipping with CCTV and installing earth bunds with wildflowers to improve biodiversity.
June 2025
Launch of the Solar Together panel group buying scheme
Solar Together, a group buying scheme that helps residents save money and reduce carbon emissions by collectively purchasing solar panels and related technology at discounted rates, opened for registration.
From conversation to action: Elmbridge Climate Change Citizen’s Panel launches their climate action journey
We were delighted to welcome the newly appointed Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel for their first workshop on Saturday 14 June at the Low Carbon Centre, Brooklands Technical College, Weybridge to begin shaping our local response to climate change.
Clean air day and free airTEXT service
A reminder of how the air we breathe affects our health and offering tips and inspiration to make lasting changes that support cleaner air in Elmbridge and beyond. Also sign up for the free airText to receive messages when air pollution levels are high in your area.
Great Big Green Week
To celebrate Great Big Green Week make simple swaps and repairs, including clothes swaps and visiting repair cafes, that will contribute to making our communities better, greener and healthier for the future.
Primary schools also invited to run as many eco-friendly activities as possible to win a prize.
July 2025
Elmbridge Climate Change Citizen’s Panel focuses on transport and emissions
The second Climate Change Citizens’ Panel session took place on Saturday 5 July 2025 at Brooklands Technical College in Weybridge, bringing participants together once again to explore the environmental impact of transport in Surrey and its contribution to carbon emissions.
September 2025
Climate Change Citizen’s Panel makes progress in shaping local climate action
The Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel met for a third session earlier this month, bringing together residents, experts and local organisations focused on driving behaviour change towards a more sustainable future.
Recycle Week 2025
This month hosts Recycle Week 2025, the UK’s biggest annual recycling campaign, as well as Second Hand September. It is all about encouraging everyone to recycle more of those everyday items that often get overlooked, and to buy second-hand and pre-loved items.
New energy schemes for Surrey residents launched
Surrey County Council is offering two group-buying schemes for residents: Switch Together (for heat pump installation) and the Big Community Switch to save money on energy bills. Both schemes are free to join, with registration open until 31 October 2025.