How to…

December’s climate change summit in Copenhagen promised much but delivered little. But just as world leaders failed to reach a binding agreement to cut carbon emissions, the London Borough of Sutton passed a new plan it hopes will lay foundations for it to become the UK’s most sustainable borough.

Events in Copenhagen once again confirmed our belief that real action on climate change must begin at a local level. Town halls, through daily contact with residents, businesses and developers, to name but a few, are best placed to lead by example and work with communities on both the physical measures and behaviour change programmes needed to cut carbon emissions and promote sustainable living.

So how are we doing this in Sutton? In December the council approved the ‘one planet action plan’, to encourage and help residents, businesses and the council itself live and work within their fair share of the earth’s resources.

To achieve this we are working with international sustainability charity, BioRegional, using its one planet programme. This consists of a range of practical projects and partnerships across the world.

The plan sets dozens of tough targets, with the council leading by example. All our buildings are to be net zero carbon; fewer than 10 per cent of our staff will commute alone by car by 2017; and we will reduce waste from our offices by 35 per cent. These are just a handful of the measures that will ensure sustainability is embedded in the council.

The huge range of targets includes ones on waste, construction and even food, health and happiness. And all new homes must be net zero carbon by 2014.

We have chosen Sutton’s Hackbridge suburb, home to the Bedzed zero carbon housing development, as the pilot area for this work. The Hackbridge project includes a vision to build 1,100 zero carbon homes, and the council is working with private developers on a major planning application which will deliver most of the new homes in one development.

Creating sustainable new developments is relatively straightforward. The real challenge lies in how we transform our existing homes, buildings, and, importantly, the behaviour of local people.

Two new projects could show the way. Sutton has funding from the mayor of London for a retrofitting project in Hackbridge to create one of 10 low carbon zones across the capital. Homes will receive grants for energy-saving measures in their homes, and get advice from eco-auditors on how to conserve water, gas and electricity.

The second scheme, to be delivered in partnership with retailer B&Q, will trial an innovative financial model to drive retrofitting. Called ‘pay as you save’, it will offer homeowners up to £10,000 worth of energy-saving measures including insulation, solar hot water or new boilers.

Both schemes will promote the message that sustainable lifestyles are good for the environment but good for your bank balance too.

Councils must harness the will of their private and voluntary sectors, and most importantly, take their residents with them. As local leaders they can set the example, plan ahead and bring together their communities to have a real effect on climate change.

Colin Hall is executive member for environment at Sutton Council

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