What we're doing to combat climate change

Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time and we're committed to acting with urgency, responsibility and care.

In response to the growing concern about climate change, we declared a Climate Emergency in July 2019.

With one of the highest levels of tree cover in the country, internationally significant rare habitats (like chalk grasslands) that are a haven for wildlife and the beautiful Surrey Hills National Landscape running through our borough, we know how important it is to play our part in tackling this emergency, and to support our residents to do so too.

Priority areas 

Climate Change Action Plan 

Our Climate Change Action Plan sets out the steps we're taking to achieve our goal of net zero emissions as a council by 2030. 

There's over 200 different actions in the plan, each one vital for us in reaching our target. 

Read our Climate Change Action Plan

Cutting council emissions 

We're improving energy efficiency in our buildings, switching to low-emission vehicles and investing in clean, modern infrastructure. This helps to reduce costs, cuts emissions and sets an example for the wider community. 

Supporting low-carbon homes and buildings 

Through grants, advice and partnerships we're helping households to retrofit, insulate and move towards cleaner heating. Every warm, efficient home helps make our residents healthier and reduce bills. 

Cleaner, greener transport 

We've invested in sustainable travel through the development of a long-term transport strategy. This includes supporting active travel infrastructure around Guildford.

Nature restoration and resilience 

Healthy green spaces help to: 

• absorb carbon 
• protect against flooding and  
• give people places to relax and reconnect with nature 

Projects across the borough are helping to restore habitats, protect natural spaces and strengthen flood resilience. This includes: 

• work at Burpham Court Farm to protect and enhance habitats
• the installation of new signs at Tyting Farm to encourage visitors to explore
• the building of a new Bat Hibernaculum at Tyting Farm, giving bats precious space to thrive
• looking after our tree stock so that it's healthy and resilient for generations to come

Making Guildford's air cleaner 

We're working hard to improve air quality in the borough. Having cleaner air helps support the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors to Guildford. 

We'll lead by example and make the switch to an alternatively fuelled vehicle fleet as soon as is viable and within the next ten years. 

Working in partnership 

Real climate action is collaborative. We work closely with local partners, businesses, community groups and volunteers to deliver meaningful change. 

You can read more about our partners and find out more about their important work.