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Decision on local government reorganisation

The Government has confirmed that Surrey will move to a two-unitary council model following its review of local government arrangements. Read our full story and future steps.

Guildford powers on with climate action ahead of COP30

One person passing a globe to another

One person passing a globe to another
As the world prepares for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, we're proud to reaffirm our commitment to tackling climate change.

This year's UN Climate Change Conference, otherwise known as COP30, is taking place from Monday 10 to Friday 21 November. It brings together:

  • world leaders
  • non-government organisations
  • businesses
  • scientists
  • and climate activists

with the aim of speeding up action towards climate change goals.

The summit's first theme is Energy, Industry and Transport. This has an emphasis on decarbonising key sectors. We're already delivering on this ambition through several different projects. Each one lines up with our roadmap to becoming Net Zero by 2030.

Accelerating local energy transitions

We've made significant strides in the adoption of clean energy. We've installed photovoltaic panels on public buildings. This saves roughly 90 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. We've also fitted 150 air source heat pumps in our housing stock.

We're investing in sustainable travel through our development of a long-term transport strategy. We've also done the following:

  • developed discounted parking schemes for motorists with EV vehicles
  • provided support for active travel infrastructure.

Delivering on climate agreements

Since declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019, the council has:

  • adopted a comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan, with over 300 actions listed
  • reduced our carbon footprint by 13% from the 2019 baseline
  • embedded sustainability into our Corporate Strategy
  • partnered with community groups such as Zero Carbon Guildford to drive grassroots engagement.

Cllr Catherine Houston, Lead Councillor for Climate Change and Leisure at Guildford Borough Council, said:

"COP 30 is a global moment and a vital one in the fight against the Climate Emergency, but the real change happens locally.

"I'm proud that Guildford is leading by example; transforming how we power our buildings, move around our borough and build for the future. Our residents, businesses and partners are key to this journey and together we're working to create a cleaner, greener Guildford for all."

As COP 30 approaches, we're encouraging everyone to get involved, whether that's through:

  • considering changing to renewables,
  • using more sustainable transport
  • or joining local climate initiatives.

Together we can turn ambition into action.

Published on 10 November 2025.