Elmbridge's sustainable future: your views matter!

In 2019, we declared a climate emergency and made the pledge to be a carbon neutral organisation by 2030. We also set an ambitious goal: to become a carbon neutral borough by 2050. We have climate change plans in place to support our vision of a thriving and sustainable Elmbridge, but we need your input to help shape the plans for 2050. 

A climate change survey is now open until Sunday 2 March to gather your views on our climate change priorities for the borough. Your feedback is crucial as it will feed into our Climate Change Citizens’ Panel process which will soon begin. The panel will work on turning your suggestions and ideas into actionable steps. 

The survey focuses on: 

• Clean energy 
• Clean air 
• The 5 Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle) 
• Biodiversity (natural environment) 
• Sustainability champions in our communities 
• Sustainability in business 

Take part in our survey:  

In the survey, you will be able to share your views on each of these topics and tell us which you think are the most important. The Climate Change Citizens’ Panel will use your feedback to shape climate change recommendations to feed into the development of the 2050 borough plan. 

Your feedback is important. Your opinions and contributions will not only enhance your community’s life, it will also positively impact our environment and preserve it for future generations. 

About the Climate Change Citizens’ Panel: 

• What is it and why do we need one? The panel will consist of 20 participants to represent the broader Elmbridge community. They will be selected through a stratified random sampling process for a diverse representation of residents from across the borough. 
   
• How does the panel work? Panel participants will hear from a range of climate change experts over a series of sessions. They will discuss, evaluate, and provide feedback on how to achieve a carbon neutral borough by 2050. The survey responses will feed into the sessions, and therefore the outcomes of the panel process. 
   
• Who facilitates the Panel? The process will be led by a team of independent facilitators with extensive experience in Citizens' Panel and Assembly facilitation from the social enterprise and community interest company Shared Future. Additionally, an advisory group is also created to help shape the process from a local perspective. 
   
• Why do we need a Climate Change Citizens’ Panel? 
   
  • To ensure the wider community’s diverse voices and opinions on climate change topics are heard. 
  • To provide a suitable forum for everyone to share ideas. 
  • To complement other climate action engagement work across the borough, including community conferences, school engagement, events, and more. 
  • To help shape the development of the carbon neutral borough plan for 2050 with community support. 

Get involved now by taking the survey or share your ideas on the ideas wall survey. 

Cllr Ashley Tilling, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environmental Services and Sustainability, said, "Each of us has a part to play in addressing climate change. It's crucial to consider our future and that of our children and take action now! By sharing your voice, you can make a difference. Your opinions are vital to guiding us on this exciting path towards a more sustainable Elmbridge." 

Find out more information about our vision for a greener and more sustainable Elmbridge. 

Read more information about the principles of the Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens' Panel.  at: