Wandsworth delivers on climate action goals

Improving biodiversity and air quality, reducing waste, investing in cutting carbon emissions, and enabling greener transport have all contributed to a more sustainable Wandsworth.

Our focus on a cleaner, greener borough has already helped us cut our council carbon emissions and we’re speeding towards becoming a carbon net zero borough by 2043.

With carbon emissions across the borough already slashed in half, projects like an £8m investment in transforming public buildings including Putney Leisure Centre will boost progress.

The borough now hosts 1,642 electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints, expanded cycling infrastructure and 346 bike hangars.

Major progress on the Cleaner Borough Plan has included a jump in recycling rates by more than 25 per cent, taking recycling to the highest ever rate recorded in Wandsworth, while our Sustainable September programme grew to 100 events across the borough.

A new Biodiversity Action Plan has been drafted, supported by extensive community involvement and evidence gathering across over 4,000 recorded species and 31 biodiversity sites.

We also funded 50 community and school projects through our Climate Action Microgrants Scheme.

Our continuing progress in leading on climate action was recognised with a top ‘A’ rating from international environmental organisation Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Our commitment to sustainability is bringing benefits to those who live, work and travel through Wandsworth as we work hard to make sure the borough is a cleaner, greener, more resilient and welcoming place.

“We have made a pledge to become a carbon net zero borough by 2043 and we are determined to deliver on that goal.

“Being recognised as an example of an organisation taking the lead on climate action through our CDP ‘A’ rating for the third consecutive year is a mark of the responsible actions the council is taking. But we recognise this is a continuing journey and we’re committed to taking meaningful steps to keep up our work on delivering climate action.”

The positive progress on Wandsworth Environment and Sustainability Strategy and Climate Action Plan was shared at an open council committee meeting on 12 February.

Wandsworth Sustainability Network – 24 February 2026

If you’re interested in finding out more about climate action in the borough, why not get involved with Wandsworth Sustainability Network?

Progress continues this year as the borough hosts its 10th Wandsworth Sustainability Network event this month.

Focused on the theme of community climate action, the Wandsworth Sustainability Network is set to showcase an array of inspiring stories about green-focused work in the borough.

• Wandsworth Sustainability Network event
• 6pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday 24 February (5.30pm arrival)
• York Gardens Library, Lavender Road, SW11 2UG

Register for the Wandsworth Sustainability Network event here.

Launched in November 2022, the Wandsworth Sustainability Network has brought together local communities alongside businesses, charities and the council to collaborate on climate-focused issues.

Read how residents got involved at the most recent Wandsworth Sustainability Network event here.

Highlights from the past year

• Wandsworth recognised with an ‘A’ rating for the third year in a row for its leadership on climate action from international environmental organisation CDP.
• Secured a £4.7m external grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to enable us to make five of our buildings, including Putney Leisure Centre, more sustainable and cut energy use by 92%.
• Over 1,600 EV charging points installed and 50% of primary schools benefitting from car-free school streets.
• Delivering on the Walking and Cycling strategy: providing cleaner, greener and safer active travel options for residents. This includes improving pavements and crossings for pedestrians and providing additional cycle lanes to connect key destinations in the borough.130 additional bikehangar spaces have been installed, as part of London’s largest bikehangar installation programmee, with even more planned.
• 1,500 Warm Home Packs distributed in 2025 to support residents with energy efficiency.
• 1,000 new trees planted, along with other biodiversity enhancements across parks.
• 12 parks achieved Green Flag status, and Wandsworth was spotlighted by Good Parks for London for 'supporting nature'.
• Over 40 businesses supported to become more sustainable through the Making Business Greener Scheme.
• 90% reduction in carbon emissions from the council’s new waste collection fleet, through the use of biofuels. Food waste collections are due to reach almost every home in Wandsworth, as part of our Cleaner Borough Plan.
• Funded 50 community and school projects through our Climate Action Microgrants Scheme.
• Waiving fees for street parties held to celebrate Car Free Day, as part of a programme of 100 Sustainable September activities.
• Working with schools on air quality audits and developing a Clean Air Schools Accreditation programme.
• Unveiling the 2,000th zero-emission bus in Transport for London’s fleet at Battersea bus station.
• Among the top authorities recognised in the latest Council Climate Action Scorecards from Climate Emergency UK.

For more information about upcoming sustainability initiatives, please subscribe to our monthly Climate Newsletter.