The Environment and Climate Strategy 2026-2035 focuses on five priority areas where the borough can make the greatest impact: energy, sustainable transport, the natural environment, reducing waste and governance.
The new strategy builds on significant progress made since the borough's first Environment and Climate Strategy was adopted in 2020. Since 2018, borough-wide carbon emissions have fallen by 24.4 per cent, while emissions from council operations have reduced by 33.4 per cent.
Other achievements include securing more than £9 million in funding for energy efficiency improvements, installing more than 200 solar panel arrays , planting over 30,000 trees and increasing the borough's recycling rate to 49.1 per cent.
The strategy aims to support warmer, more energy-efficient homes, increase renewable energy generation, make it easier for residents to walk, cycle and use public transport, improve and connect habitats for wildlife and encourage a more circular approach to waste and resources.
It also recognises the challenges already being experienced across the borough, including more frequent flooding, hotter summers and increasing pressure on natural habitats, and sets out how climate adaptation and resilience will be embedded alongside emissions reduction.
The strategy has been shaped by feedback from residents, businesses, schools, community groups, councillors and young people through workshops, roadshows and public consultation activities carried out across the borough.
Council Leader, Cllr Simon Werner, said: "Thank you to everyone who helped shape this strategy, from residents and community groups to schools, businesses and local partners. The feedback we received has played an important role in setting our priorities for the years ahead.
"From Storm Henk in 2024, which brought significant flooding to our communities, to the recent extreme heatwaves, we are seeing first-hand the impact that climate change is having on the places where we live and work. These events are a stark reminder that climate change is not a future challenge – it is happening now.
“We've already made strong progress, but we know there is more to do. This strategy sets out a clear direction for the next decade and recognises that tackling climate change and restoring nature can only be achieved through partnership, shared action and a collective commitment across the borough."
The strategy will be supported by two five-year Climate Action Plans, which will set out the practical actions needed to help deliver its ambitions and ensure progress is regularly reviewed and reported.