Culture

 

British Queen celebrates

 

London has emerged as the leading region in the UK for local climate action, topping Climate Emergency UK’s latest Climate Scorecards with a score of 57%—the highest of any region.

Despite economic pressures and competing priorities, London’s boroughs are pushing ahead with practical, forward-thinking initiatives that support both the environment and economic growth. These efforts are helping attract investment, cut emissions, and build healthier communities across the capital.

Local authorities are delivering on-the-ground projects such as installing solar panels on public buildings, offering residents expert energy advice, and implementing "school streets" to create safer, greener routes for children.

Working together through the London Councils’ Climate Programme, the capital’s 32 boroughs are scaling their impact with joint investment and shared projects. Highlights include:

- Warmer Homes London – A central hub, run in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA), that coordinates home energy upgrades to cut bills and improve living conditions.

- The Green Growth Pipeline – A showcase of £34 billion in green investment opportunities, driving job creation and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

- Strategic Social Housing Upgrades – London has secured England’s largest joint award from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund: £78 million in government funding and an additional £119 million in co-investment to improve the energy efficiency of homes across the city.

- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure – With more than 24,000 charging points and counting, London leads the UK in EV infrastructure, making cleaner transport more accessible for all Londoners.

These collective efforts confirm London’s position at the forefront of climate action—delivering real progress while setting the standard for the rest of the country.

Cllr Kieron Williams, London Councils Executive Member for Transport and Environment, said: "This recognition is a testament to the bold and tireless work of London’s boroughs in responding to the climate emergency. Despite ongoing funding pressures boroughs are leading with practical, innovative action to positively impact residents’ lives — from expanding the number of electric vehicle charging points to make it easier for Londoners to charge their cars to planting more trees, creating cooler streets and greener neighbourhoods. 
 

"We're also showing that collaboration makes all the difference. Across London, projects like the Climate Programme and Warmer Homes London are helping to bring in funding, make homes more energy efficient, reduce bills for Londoners, and prepare our communities for the future. There's still more to do, but this progress proves that local action is key to building a greener, fairer city." Photo by londoncouncils.gov.uk