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
Climate and Public Health
Public health is one of the most critically affected areas by climate change. As part of our plan to prepare for a changing climate, we have combined up-to-date research and expertise to understand how this impacts health and health equity in Newham. This is crucial to identify what we, as a council, can do to prevent health harms from a changing climate.
In December 2023, we have launched an informative visual poster, breaking down priority issues and targeting the most acute and impactful effects of climate change in Newham.
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.
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