council’s action plan on climate’

aCheer FU l riBBON of daffodils on peckham rye this week points towards spring, new activity and renewal. So i took the opportunity to look through the council’s action plan on climate: www. southwark.gov.uk/environment/ climate-emergency/reachingnet-zero/our-plan-for-net-zero

The sections on energy and greener buildings show the most progress. All council operational buildings now have electricity from green tariffs. That’s a quick and easy win - something everyone who pays an energy bill can do.

There has been some action to cut energy waste in council buildings, with the installation of air source heat pumps and solar panel schemes; and a successful funding bid to install air source heat pumps in Brunswick and Crampton primary schools.

The council’s new licensing scheme in some areas of Southwark means they will be able to enforce minimum energy standards for landlords. This should mean landlords investing in insulation and repairs to draughty windows – leading to better living conditions for renters. But even in the buildings section, there are boxes ticked which give no idea of any real impact. One action is to establish an advice service for homeowners. Apparently the council has contacted 500 homes to tell them they are eligible for retrofit – but this doesn’t tell us how many people read the letter, let alone took the next steps. And this is dwarfed by the recent announcement that Maydew House in Bermondsey is to be demolished, after the council has already spent over £15 million on it. For comparison, look at the French architects Lacaton and Vassal, who refurbish tower blocks with low cost materials, creating winter gardens and balconies to increase space and improve comfort and energy use. Anne Lacaton says their work is about ‘doing more and better with what is already existing.’ Demolition is ‘a waste of many things—a waste of energy, a waste of material, and a waste of history. Moreover, it has a very negative social impact.

For us, it is an act of violence.’ last January and had to stop for my health, for my six year old daughter and to better serve our community. As ever, the level of support locally has been truly amazing – with organisations and people dropping by to offer advice and help. One longstanding drinking buddy even gave up alongside me in an act of craziness/heroism depending on your viewpoint!

It’s clear that some changes take time, expertise and cooperation. That’s why I’m so keen on the proposal to ‘embed climate change awareness across the council’. What has happened to this action? According to the report, the council ‘delivered training to new councillors’. What about the existing councillors? What about the 4,000+ people directly employed by the council? Let’s train and empower them to make real change across Southwark.

I’m proud to have helped around 5,000 people last year with a range of issues and will step up this effort as well as seek new ways to thank the community that has given me so much. Thank you for your continued support!