Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

Sutton Council faced the challenge of implementing a comprehensive sustainability action plan to transform the borough into a model of sustainable living. As the first One Planet Living council, they aimed to balance prosperity, opportunity, and quality of life while adhering to environmental limits. The council's action plan, updated in 2013, set ambitious targets for 2017, 2025, and 2050, organized under five key themes: cutting carbon, cutting waste, valuing the natural environment, supporting healthy communities, and bolstering the local economy. These themes were integrated across all council services and developed in consultation with local stakeholders.

In the 2016/17 progress report, Sutton Council reported significant achievements, including a reduction of waste by over 45% at council offices compared to the 2009/10 baseline. They engaged 4,000 schoolchildren in events focused on local green spaces and nature, fostering community awareness and involvement. Additionally, funding from Transport for London was secured for a Quietways cycle route, enhancing sustainable transport options between Sutton and Morden.

Looking ahead, Sutton Council launched several initiatives for 2017/18, including the Sutton Child Health website to promote health and wellbeing among families, and the Sutton Town Centre Masterplan aimed at stimulating economic growth and job creation. Environmental efforts included the restoration of wildflower meadows to support local biodiversity and the launch of a community farm share offer to secure the future of local sustainable food production. A significant project involved the installation of solar PV panels on civic buildings, projected to save approximately £85,000 in electricity costs and prevent around 400 tons of CO2 emissions over their 25-year lifespan. These targeted actions illustrate Sutton Council's commitment to achieving its sustainability goals while enhancing community engagement and environmental stewardship.