Wandsworth continues to lead the way in London - reducing carbon emissions and helping residents save money on their energy bills

Last week the council received an A grade - just 123 towns and cities worldwide – from environmental impact group CDP.

It now unveils new measures to build on this work and make housing in the borough more sustainable.

This includes:

• Improving the energy efficiency of council properties
• Working with residents to help them reduce their energy consumption, and their bills
• Rolling out communal heating in new buildings.

The council will be bidding for Government money to help pay towards improving insultation, adding secondary glazing and draft proofing, as well as installing solar panels across several hundred properties.

This will cut carbon emissions and reduce energy consumption.

Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“Having already been recognised as a Leader in London with our environmental policies, we are now improving the energy efficiency of our existing housing stock.

“This will cut carbon emissions and reduce energy consumption for our residents. The climate emergency is a key priority for this council and with the current Cost of Living crisis it is important that we do everything in our power to reduce household bills for our residents.”

The news follows new cavity wall insulation being added to 22 council blocks and three houses and further work that aims to improve energy efficiency through window replacement and roof renewals.

As part of the bid for funding the council is also looking to add solar panels and loft insulation as part of these overall works.

The council is also working with Thinking Works, a not-for-profit company helping to tackle fuel poverty by improving energy efficiency and bringing down household bills. Thinking Works have already begun work to target those living in the most deprived areas of the borough.

Councillor Dikerdem added:

“It is crucial that the Council does all it can to support residents with rising energy bills and the dedicated officer within Thinking Works will provide invaluable support and assistance to tenants during this difficult winter. We will continue to deliver initiatives like this and maintain the same low council tax for our residents.”