Taking pioneering action to cut our carbon emissions

Our Carbon Management Plan (CMP) defines how we measure, manage and reduce emissions across our estate and operations. It set the challenging carbon reduction target of 40% by 2020, against a 2009/2010 baseline, which was achieved in 2019, and exceeded by 2020.  Our 2020/21 data shows a 61% reduction in carbon emissions.  As we look towards 2030, Camden faces a challenging net zero carbon target. 

Download report summarising our progress made in the latest financial year: 2020/21 Footprint Report.

Leading by example

Continued delivered emissions reductions demonstrate that it is possible to achieve significant carbon reduction through robust target-setting and innovation. The following case studies provide a snapshot of our work:

  • In 2021, Camden secured funding for the retrofit of Swiss Cottage Library.  The project is currently being delivered and is due to complete by Summer 2022. The project will make the library more energy efficient and includes the installation of window replacements and LED lighting in the Grade II listed building. The project is expected to save more than 55 tCO2e and £25,444 in energy costs per year.
  • In 2021, Camden completed the refurbishment of Holmes Road Depot, which is the Council's third largest office site, with workshop and office space. The building, built in the 1960s, was previously very energy inefficient, but the refurbishment has reduced the building's carbon footprint by 40%, including the installation of a new heat recovery ventilation system and heat pumps for office heating, cooling, and ventilation.
  • LED lighting schemes have been delivered across 6 council buildings. The projects are expected save more than 57 tCO2e per year and £36,095 in energy costs per year.

Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC)

We have been a full participant under the UK Government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC). Under this scheme, we were required to report annual carbon emissions for qualifying energy supplies and to purchase carbon allowances to cover these. The scheme encouraged participants to reduce their overall emissions – please refer to the CRC Annual Reports below for more details. The CRC scheme came to an end after the 2018/19 reporting year.

CRC Annual Reports 

Helping businesses

We encourage Camden organisations in the public and private sectors to produce similar reports. We are working with businesses to support the Council’s commitment to a borough-wide reduction in emissions of 40% by 2020. Please visit Camden Climate Change Alliance for more information.