A new environmental scheme is set to massively cut carbon emissions in Southwark.
Buildings across the borough will be fitted with heating upgrades and renewable energy improvements, which will save thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Libraries, community centres and around 2,000 households are set to benefit from the multi-million pound investment by Southwark Council.
Three estates in the borough will be retrofitted with water source heat pumps, which extract heat from bodies of water and convert it into energy.
The possible carbon savings from this project equate to 3,850 people flying from Gatwick to Chicago or an average car travelling 13,500,000 miles every year.
“We are working across the council to tackle the climate emergency that is facing us all,” said Cllr Stephanie Cryan, cabinet member for council homes and homelessness.
“I am delighted that these works will further improve the quality of housing for our residents and also help us meet our ambitions for a healthier environment,” she added.
The work on the estates is scheduled to be completed before the summer.
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This follows the council’s announcement that it has finished the first phase of green improvements to libraries and community centres, which have been fitted with air source heat pumps, solar panels and better insulation.
Fourteen of Southwark’s buildings have seen improvements, cutting down on gas consumption and reducing carbon emissions, while saving the council money on running costs.
The council said this will save £31,150 each year on their energy bills alone, alongside cutting carbon intensive gas emissions by 22 per cent.
Dulwich Library, Peckham Registry and Brandon Youth Club have been fitted with rooftop solar panels as part of the effort, alongside several other council properties.
“At a time when the cost of gas is higher and more volatile than ever, taking action to improve our buildings through the installation of air-source heat pumps, solar panels, and improved insulation, will cut heating bills and cut carbon,” said Cllr Helen Dennis, cabinet member for the climate emergency and sustainable development.
She said the council would invest a further £5.4 million into decarbonising council buildings.
“Tackling the climate emergency is a top priority for Southwark Council and we are getting on with the business of delivering carbon-saving projects across the borough,” added the Cllr.
79 per cent of Southwark’s carbon emissions currently come from buildings.
