Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Cabinet member for the Environment and Climate Change has issued a statement on Barnet’s climate progress so far

In May 2022, new leader of Barnet Council Barry Rawlings used his first speech as the Labour administration took charge to announce a climate emergency. At that point it was one of the few London boroughs to have done so.

Now, 18 months on and on the eve of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Cabinet member for the Environment and Climate Change, reflects on progress made in the borough.

“Eighteen months ago, Barnet Council declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and we have placed sustainability at the heart of our plans in caring for people, our places and the planet,” said Cllr Schneiderman in a statement released today. ““We have set ourselves the target of being a net zero council by 2030 and borough by 2042 – which we can only do if we all work together.

“In January, we launched our ‘BarNET ZERO’ campaign, to raise awareness of the issues, enable people to contribute ideas, and to give people the know-how to reduce carbon emissions at home and at work.

“An important step forward has been our citizens’ and young people’s assemblies on climate change, which explored the question ‘What more can we do together to make Barnet more sustainable, now and in the future?’

“The assemblies have given their recommendations and we have responded to these. This is the first step in setting the agenda and the plans for the coming years, as we collaborate with communities, residents, businesses and organisations to become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs.

“The programme of practical changes to things like infrastructure has already made rapid progress.

“We have installed over 700 electric vehicle charge points with another 1,300 to be installed by April 2024 to help residents reduce their carbon footprint while also improving the air we breathe.

“We have installed heat pumps and solar panels in 17 buildings across the borough, including the council’s main office building in Colindale and five libraries.

“We are continuing work on the £8bn Brent Cross Town development – one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe – which will have an on-site energy centre and the largest air source heat pump installation in Europe.

“We cannot underestimate the scale of the task ahead of us, but nor should we see it as insurmountable. Working together, we have already achieved a great deal. I hope COP28 will provide the world with the direction it needs, but locally we have a plan in place and the will to make it happen.”

The Citizen’s Assembly recommendations are available on the Barnet Council website: engage.barnet.gov.uk/response-to-recommendations-from-the-citizens-assembly

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