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Hounslow Council has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling climate change, setting out how ambitious plans to cut carbon emissions will be delivered in ways that benefit residents, communities and the local economy.  

To support the delivery of an updated Climate Emergency Action Plan, the Council’s cabinet last night (16 December) approved plans for borough-wide low-carbon energy infrastructure, including work to deliver a Heat Network that will provide cleaner, more efficient heating to homes and buildings across Hounslow. 

The Climate Emergency Action Plan 2026-2030 sets out the Council’s strategic priorities for the next five years, building on the progress made since the Council first declared a climate emergency in 2019 and adopted its original ten-year action plan in 2020.  

Together, the Plan and the wider borough energy proposals set out how the Council will support residents, businesses and communities to reduce emissions while creating a greener, more resilient and thriving borough. 

The Climate Emergency Action Plan 2026-2030 focuses on four key priorities: 

• Decarbonisation of Council operations and estate to achieve net zero by 2030 

• Influence a reduction in wider borough emissions 

• Make the borough resilient to the impacts of climate change 

• Promote sustainable lifestyles for residents and staff 

As part of delivering borough-wide emissions reductions set out in the Plan, Cabinet agreed to establish a Strategic Energy Partnership. This will be a long-term working arrangement between the Council and an external delivery partner, bringing specialist skills, investment and experience to help turn climate plans into real projects. 

Cabinet also agreed to progress plans for an innovative borough-wide Heat Network, which will use waste heat from Thames Water Mogden Sewage Treatment Works to supply low-carbon heating to homes, hospitals, schools and commercial buildings across the borough. This approach has the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions, improve air quality and support long-term energy affordability.  

Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport at Hounslow Council, said: 

This decision is about improving everyday life in Hounslow — from warmer, more efficient buildings to a borough that is better prepared for the future. 

 

The updated Action Plan gives us a clear direction for the next five years, helping us cut costs, attract investment and support sustainable growth while delivering practical benefits for residents and businesses across the borough.

The Plan also reflects wider borough priorities including support for sustainable travel, community energy initiatives and improvements to nature and green spaces.