On 10th July, Merton Council confirmed a cross party agreement to declare a climate emergency for the borough to achieve Carbon neutrality by 2050. This date may seem a long way off but there is much to be done.
The Council will take a leadership role and is calling on businesses, residents, public sector and community organisations to get involved. Most of our carbon emissions come from buildings and transport, so it depends on everyone of us taking action.
If you would like to get involved in an action group to influence what needs to be done, please contact us.
Let’s do this and work together to achieve a sustainable future for the next generations.
Diana Sterck - CEO, Sustainable Merton
What planning changes do we need to see?
There are several ways planning can have a positive impact on the climate emergency. Some of the most important are energy conservation, micro-energy production, water conservation, waste reduction, noise pollution, air pollution, green travel and bio-diversity.
Energy Conservation
Heat loss from homes and other buildings can be massively reduced with the right kind of insulation. All new builds must insulated to the highest standard.
Micro-energy production
Many roofs of homes and other buildings could be covered with solar panels and s
olar thermal water heater panels so adding to the renewable energy mix.
Water conservation
Roof water and internal ‘grey’ water can be collected to supply toilets and the harden.
Waste reduction can be improved with the right waste and recycling storage in all new builds.
Noise pollution
Noise pollution can be vastly reduced with the use of double and triple glazing in new builds.
Green travel
All new builds must have electric vehicle charging points.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity can be helped with the thoughtful use of habitats for swallows, overgrown gardens and small water features where possible.