Climate Action in Newham Council
We are committed to climate action in all parts of the council, including adapting how we work internally to ensure we are a climate conscious workforce.
How are we promoting a climate conscious workforce?
Just Transition Plan training
Our Just Transition Plan is at the centre of Climate Action in Newham, and it is vital to promote it both internally & externally. The Climate Action Team at Newham Council is increasing awareness of a Just Transition by delivering training to teams across the Council to make them aware of how their work aligns with the just transition principles and how they can include meaningful and joined-up climate action in their work.
If you’d like us to deliver Just Transition training to your network or community group, email Climate.Action@Newham.gov.uk.
Climate Action Delivery Group
Every four weeks the Climate Action Delivery Group meet to discuss priority issues, project progress and any climate related news, workstreams or ideas. The group is open to any Newham colleague and encourages cross-departmental and multi-agency working to help tackle climate issues.
Green Procurement
We are in the development of a sustainable procurement policy to help reduce emissions from our supply chains, which make up a large proportion of the Council’s total emissions. By introducing an evidence-based policy, we hope to encourage more sustainable practices among our suppliers and partners.
Carbon Offset Strategy
The council’s Carbon Offset Fund is a monetary fund that developers in the borough must contribute to if they don't meet their carbon reduction targets. These funds are used by the Council for the delivery of carbon savings and used to fund a range of suitable projects.
After undergoing a decision-making process, 17 projects were selected in the Summer of 2024 by the Climate Action Team to receive funding. These are projects that will benefit Newham, our residents, and reduce overall emissions in the borough. Here are some examples of the projects currently underway:
School Market Gardens Engaging Students in Sustainable Farming
The Food Strategy Team are working to expand a pilot food waste project that will establish working farms at schools in the borough. COF funding will ensure that three additional schools' benefit from the farms that will eventually become self-sustaining. This project is all about increasing equity and opportunities for students to engage with nature, support food security and reduce emissions.
For more information on the food growing imitative please see We Are Newham, We Are Food Growing | Local Government Association.
Tate Institute to Become Thriving Community Hub and Green Skills Centre
As part of Newham Council’s investment into neighbourhoods to bring back underutilised assets into use, social enterprise ReSpace Projects has been appointed to lead the regeneration of the Tate Institute. The building is recognised for its heritage as a community facility dating back to 1887 but has been closed since 1961.
The Carbon Offset Fund will deliver decarbonisation and conversion of the Tate Institute in Silvertown to transform the institute into a thriving community hub and energy centre for building green skills. The project is set to be finalised in June 2025 and will be space communities can contribute to climate action.
You can find more information about the plans here.
