Climate change

Our strategy for tackling climate change

While governments and industries can contribute the most, we have a role too. As a large employer and local service provider, we can cut emissions by changing how we work. We aim to help our residents see the impact of their choices. We want to help residents switch to less polluting options. For example, we support the move to electric vehicles.

We have committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. We’ve set a framework for the council, our partners, and residents. It will guide actions to cut the climate impact of all activities in our borough.

• Climate and Nature Strategy, 2023-30
• Living Executive Summary
• Living Harrow Appendix 2

We publish our total greenhouse gas emissions in an annual GHG Report. It lets residents track our goal of cutting emissions. For more information, see Greenhouse Gas emissions report 2021/22.

Our actions towards climate change

• Since October 2021, all our school and council electricity supplies are on a green tariff. Our demand is matched by generation from renewable sources, like wind and solar.
• Our vehicle fleet now includes 16 electric vans. Most of our other vehicles meet the highest Euro 6 emissions standard.
• In recent years, we've supported a big solar panel programme at schools. Now, 16 Harrow schools produce some of their own electricity.
• The solar panels on our Forward Drive office generate enough electricity to power 29 homes.
• We've installed heat pumps in some of our buildings to reduce gas usage. We have one of our these large heat pumps in Harrow Arts Centre.
• We are looking for ways to cut emissions in our supply chain. We reviewed our pension investment strategy. We shifted funds to support low-carbon outcomes.
• In October 2020 we introduced an emissions based parking permit scheme. This incentivised a transition to low-emission vehicles.
• In 2021, we helped low-income families get the most out of the green homes grant scheme. This helped them buy more energy efficient goods for their homes.
• In 2021, we installed 24 electric vehicle charging points.
• In 2021, we completed major works as part of the Headstone Manor Park Project. It aimed to boost local biodiversity and flood resilience.
• In 2023, we launched the free bulky waste collection service. It allowed residents to recycle large waste items for free. It aimed to reduce fly-tipping in the borough.
• In 2024, some local school pupils attended the Youth Eco Summit Festival (YESFest). They held it at Harrow School. YESFest empowers young people to take action for their part of the planet. It gives them the knowledge, skills, and networks to do so. We shared ideas on our efforts to help the planet. We inspired each other to take more action in our schools and communities.

What you can do to help tackle climate change

We must do much more to tackle the climate challenge. It requires a team effort involving all our residents and businesses. Here are some ways to get started:

• Calculate your carbon footprint. It will show you which areas of your life cause the most carbon emissions. It will also suggest ways to reduce them. You can use tracking tools like GikiZero or the Carbon Trust’s Calculator.
• Repair your broken electrical goods. We throw away 155,000 tonnes of electricals every year. We don't recycle or re-use them. E-waste from these harms the environment and our health. To find your nearest repair shop, see the West London Waste repair directory.
• Recycle electricals and batteries. Never bin your old electricals or batteries. And don’t put them in your general recycling bin. Recycle everything with a plug, battery, or cable separately. Enter your postcode to find a local battery and electrical recycling point.
• Switch to a green electricity tariff. You can choose an electricity supplier that matches your use with renewable sources. Most companies now offer a renewable energy tariff. These include London Power, a Mayor of London initiative. It aims to provide Londoners with fair, affordable, 100% renewable power.
• Save energy at home. Everyone can do many things at home to save energy and money. You can switch to LED light bulbs and install insulation. For more information, see The Energy Saving Trust.
• Make space for Nature at home. We can help provide wildlife habitats in our gardens. This will aid nature's recovery in Harrow. If you have a lawn, why not join Plantlife's No Mow May? Also, consider reducing mowing in some areas all year. The RHS and the Wildlife Trusts have teamed up on the Wild about Gardens campaign. Their website has advice on how to encourage wildlife in your garden.
• Nine tips from Imperial College London. Small things we can begin today for a cleaner and greener future for Harrow.