It’s Climate Action Week

We’re delivering major projects to make Lewisham safer and more resilient. But real change depends on all of us. By working with residents, schools, community groups and businesses, we can build a better future together.

Summers are getting hotter, with more frequent heatwaves. Together, we can help our homes, streets and neighbourhoods stay cool and safe. Learn more about adapting to extreme heat. 

Our progress so far

Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, we’ve made strong progress.
Some highlights include:

• ranked in the top 3% of councils in England for climate action in 2025
• installed solar panels and heat pumps in six schools since 2024, and worked with over 45 schools through the Schools’ Climate Network
• upgrading over 1,000 council homes with better insulation, ventilation and low-carbon heating, supported by £10 million in grant fundingHelped 5,100 households stay warm and cut heating costs since 2019
• planted 1,693 trees with 450 volunteers since 2022
• installed 250 electric vehicle charging points
• expanded 50 School Streets to reduce traffic and improve air quality
• delivered three rounds of the Community Energy Fund to support local energy projects
• awarded 32 grants to help local businesses become more eco-friendly
• these actions are helping to clean our air, improve homes and schools, and create a healthier environment for everyone.
• invested £3.5 million to improve energy use in seven council buildings

The Council is responsible for around 3% of Lewisham’s carbon emissions, and we’ve reduced our own emissions by 25% since 2018/19. We’re now also measuring emissions from our supply chain to go even further.

How you can help

While the Council is leading big projects, real change happens when we all take action in our daily lives. Even small changes can add up to a big difference. Here are a few simple ways to get involved:

1. rinse your recycling so it doesn’t go to landfill
2. join a community garden
3. try swapping meat for plant-based meals
4. repair clothes instead of buying new
5. go plastic-free for a week and shop local or refill
6. dry clothes outside when it’s sunny
7. support community energy projects like South East London Community Energy 
8. add greenery to any outdoor spaces you have 
9. walk, cycle or take the bus when you can

Want more ideas? Take a look at our climate action guide for residents.