Climate change

Our strategy for tackling climate change

While governments and industries can contribute the most, we have a role too. As a large employer and local service provider, we can cut emissions by changing how we work. We aim to help our residents see the impact of their choices. We want to help residents switch to less polluting options. For example, we support the move to electric vehicles.

We are working to significantly reduce our emissions by 2030. We’ve set a framework for the council, our partners, and residents. It will guide actions to cut the climate impact of all activities in our borough.

• Climate and Nature Strategy, 2023-30
• Living Executive Summary
• Living Harrow Appendix 2

We publish our total greenhouse gas emissions in an annual GHG Report. It lets residents track our goal of cutting emissions. For more information, see Harrow Scope 1 & 2 report 24/25 and Green House Gas Emissions Summary Report 2014-2025 Final.

Our actions towards climate change

• In 2025, pupils from local schools attended the 3rd Youth Eco Summit Festival (YESFest), held at Harrow School. YESFest empowers young people to take action for their environment by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and networks to make a difference. During the event, children inspired one another to strengthen climate action in their schools and wider communities.
• In 2024/2025, we sponsored 5 primary schools to implement the Zero Carbon Schools Programme which empowers young people and schools to respond positively to the climate crisis.
• In 2024/2025, we sponsored 5 primary schools to implement the Pupils Profit Initiative which enables and encourages the community to waste less and reuse more via a school refill shop.
• In April 2025, 5 electric transit tippers were added to our vehicle fleet.
• In 2025, 2 brand new electric vans replaced 2 diesel vans in Parking Services. 
• In recent years, we've supported a big solar panel programme at schools. Now, 18 Harrow schools produce some of their own electricity including the Grimsdyke and Grange Primary Schools’ projects completed in 2024/2025.
• In 2023 our first air source heat pumps were installed at Harrow Arts Centre and two school sites, and in 2024/25, ground source heat pumps were installed at 2 sheltered housing schemes.
• In 2026, we are planning to expand our existing solar panels arrays at our offices in Forward Drive and at the Harrow Arts Centre.
• For the period 2026-28, we have been successful as part of a London wide consortium in securing funding from the Warm Homes Local Grant Scheme to support retrofit of poor energy performing homes in Harrow which are occupied by low income households. 
• In winter 2026, river restoration works commenced within Roxbourne Park to naturalise and restore the Yeading Brook for wildlife. These works are part of Yeading Brook Unbound, a wider multi-partner programme restoring 3.5km of the Yeading Brook West from Headstone Manor to Roxbourne Park, with new habitats created at Headstone Manor in the spring of 2025.
• In 2025/26, we will continue delivering conservation work to restore and expand Stanmore Common’s rare heathland habitat, in partnership with the Friends of Stanmore Common and the Harrow Nature Conservation Forum. This work is jointly funded by the Mayor of London.
• In 2025, our Recycling Team introduced the Drop and Go, a pop‑up event that brings the recycling centre directly into local communities, making it easier for residents to dispose of waste correctly. It also provides an opportunity for residents to access recycling advice, food‑waste caddies and liners.
• In 2025, in collaboration with London Councils, we launched the One World Living Sustainable Neighbourhood Model. The model demonstrates how circular economy principles can support the creation of more sustainable and resilient communities across London. It features London’s Community Kitchen based in Harrow.
• In 2025, in collaboration with Material Focus, we expanded on our existing small electricals reuse and recycling schemes with the installation of electricals recycling bins and laptop donation bins across Harrow’s library network.
• In 2025/2026, we continue collaborating with Harrow Sustain IT project run by  Voluntary Action Harrow who repair laptops for reuse and in turn support digital inclusion across the borough.
• In 2025, 322 new electric vehicle chargers were installed across the borough, bringing Harrow’s total network to 347 public charging points. This rapid expansion makes low emission travel more accessible for residents and supports a shift towards greener travel. By enabling cleaner journeys, the growing EV network helps cut local air pollution and reduce carbon emissions across Harrow.

What you can do to help tackle climate change

We must do much more to tackle the climate challenge. It requires a team effort involving all our residents and businesses. Here are some ways to get started:

• Calculate your carbon footprint. It will show you which areas of your life cause the most carbon emissions. It will also suggest ways to reduce them. You can use tracking tools like GikiZero or the Carbon Trust’s Calculator.
• Repair your broken electrical goods. We throw away 155,000 tonnes of electricals every year. We don't recycle or re-use them. E-waste from these harms the environment and our health. To find your nearest repair shop, see the West London Waste repair directory.
• Recycle electricals and batteries. Never bin your old electricals or batteries. And don’t put them in your general recycling bin. Recycle everything with a plug, battery, or cable separately. Enter your postcode to find a local battery and electrical recycling point.
• Switch to a green electricity tariff. You can choose an electricity supplier that matches your use with renewable sources. Most companies now offer a renewable energy tariff. These include London Power, a Mayor of London initiative. It aims to provide Londoners with fair, affordable, 100% renewable power.
• Save energy at home. Everyone can do many things at home to save energy and money. You can switch to LED light bulbs and install insulation. For more information, see The Energy Saving Trust.
• Make space for Nature at home. We can help provide wildlife habitats in our gardens. This will aid nature's recovery in Harrow. If you have a lawn, why not join Plantlife's No Mow May? Also, consider reducing mowing in some areas all year. The RHS and the Wildlife Trusts have teamed up on the Wild about Gardens campaign. Their website has advice on how to encourage wildlife in your garden.
• Nine tips from Imperial College London. Small things we can begin today for a cleaner and greener future for Harrow.
• Recycle your clothes and textiles: Give your old clothes a second life by donating them for reuse or recycling. You can book a free home collection for clothing and textiles you no longer need. For more details on what you can donate, please see: What items can I donate? - Traid