Climate Action in the Community
Empowering Communities with Solar Power
Newham Council is helping residents become more involved in how our borough is powered.
We have partnered with Repowering London, an organisation that empowers communities to co-create renewable energy projects. The first solar panel installation was officially launched at East Ham Library in October 2023.
Since the launch, solar panels have been installed at East Ham Library, Beckton Globe and have also been installed at Stratford Library. The profits will be re-invested into further projects in Newham.
The collaboration has brought together local volunteers to form Community Energy Newham, with residents becoming the key stakeholders, investors, and decision-makers through regular workshops and educational activities. This community-owned solar energy will help reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, whilst promoting community action for climate change and strengthening social connections.
The first Community Share Offer is now open, and everyone is invited to help bring a cleaner and brighter future to Newham. Their goal is to raise money to bring community owned solar panels to Newham’s public buildings to cut the borough’s carbon emissions and raise money generated to fund community initiatives. Invest and become a member of the co-operative here!
Planting Pocket Forests for cleaner and greener local schools
We want every child in Newham to enjoy and learn about nature. That’s why we have joined forces with SUGi, a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in accelerating biodiversity in urban environments.
SUGi’s pocket forest projects are perfect for schools, creating dense, wildlife-rich environments for children of all ages. These vibrant areas of woodland not only provide new outdoor educational opportunities, but also health benefits through reduced air pollution, flood reduction, and better mental health.
Even better, SUGi’s projects are interactive, with children learning all about trees by planting them in the soil with their own hands!
This collaboration is another step towards increasing Newham’s long-term resilience, in a way that puts residents at the heart of what we do. By offering educational, community, and health benefits for current and future generations.
Want to see a pocket forest at your local school? Ask the headteacher to get in touch via email Climate.Action@newham.gov.uk.
As of March 2025, we have delivered SUGi Pocket forests at 9 local primary schools, West Ham Church Primary School, Hallsville Primary School, Scott Wilkie Primary, New Directions Primary, School 21, Godwin Junior School, Harris Academy, Chobham Academy, and Langdon Academy. In addition to the schools, a new pocket forest was also planted at Newham University Hospital.
For more information on the scheme in Newham, read the SUGI Pocket Forests.
West Ham Church Primary School
Hallsville Primary School
Royal Docks Climate Agreement
The Royal Docks Climate Agreement is a partnership between the London Borough of Newham and key local organisations to help London achieve Net Zero by 2030.
The partnership brings the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone, Newham Council, Excel London, University of East London, Lendlease, London City Airport and T&L Sugars together in a joint commitment to accelerate and improve the speed of delivery and impact of a Just Transition in Newham, for Newham residents, businesses and visitors.
Read more about the agreement here.
Citizen Visioning for North Woolwich Heat and Energy Forum
As part of our North Woolwich Heat and Energy Forum, we brought together 22 residents to share their experiences, ideas and priorities for the future of heat and energy in their neighbourhood. Together, they explored how homes in North Woolwich can stay warm, energy remain affordable, and the shift to cleaner energy work for local people.
Forum members were joined by our partners, Involve, and local organisations for workshops including speaker panels, retrofit site visits, and deeper exploration of the neighbourhood. These sessions gave residents space to learn, discuss solutions, and shape a shared vision for the area.
The insights from the Forum will help inform the Council, community groups and local organisations in developing practical, place-based approaches to improving homes, reducing energy bills, and supporting a greener future for North Woolwich.
By the end of the Forum, participants had developed:
- A map of what makes North Woolwich special
- A vision for the future of North Woolwich
- Ten recommendations for the Council, businesses and community groups to take forward
Find out more about the Forum, our Citizen Visioning process, and the full vision, map and recommendations here: LBN North Woolwich Heat & Energy Forum I July, 2025 (PDF)
Read more about our response, what we are already doing, and our next steps Newham Council Response to Forum Recommendations I North Woolwich Heat & Energy I November, 2025 (PDF)
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