Richmond Council has secured a major £7 million grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, marking a significant milestone in its mission to become a greener, more sustainable borough.

The funding, delivered by Salix Finance on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, will support transformative carbon reduction projects across five key Council-owned sites in Richmond upon Thames: Pools on the Park, Briar House, East Sheen Library, Orleans House Gallery, and Teddington Swimming Pool.

The funding will support transformative carbon reduction projects at Teddington pool (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

The Council is also committing £1.94 million in match funding to help deliver these ambitious plans.

The improvements will include low-carbon heating systems, upgraded insulation, and advanced energy efficiency measures – expected to reduce overall energy use by 82% across the portfolio and cut carbon emissions by an estimated 951 tonnes of CO2 every year.

Councillor Robin Brown, Lead Member for Finance and Resources, said the investment shows the Council is serious about tackling the climate emergency and protecting much-loved community facilities.

He said: "This is a fantastic result for Richmond upon Thames and a testament to the hard work of council officers in securing this highly competitive funding.

"These upgrades will not only cut carbon but also reduce energy costs and future-proof some of our most valued public buildings.

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"By investing in sustainable infrastructure now, we're protecting the long-term financial health of the Council and ensuring our facilities can continue to serve residents for years to come.

"This is smart, forward-looking public investment."

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, added: "Tackling the climate emergency requires bold, practical action.

"This funding allows us to accelerate our transition to net zero, reducing our carbon emissions and making real improvements to community buildings.

"These sites are known and used by many Richmond residents and play a valuable role in the life of the whole borough. I am delighted that the Council is making progress towards a cleaner, healthier future – and doing so in a way that benefits the whole community."

The investment forms part of Richmond Council's wider Climate Emergency Strategy, which sets out the Council's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions borough-wide by 2043.

Ian Rodger, Salix Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation, said: "This is an ambitious project at Richmond and encompasses highly valued community buildings.

"The project will help reduce carbon emissions for the council and will make these buildings more energy efficient and cost effective to operate. 

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"We have no time to waste in addressing climate change and ensuring we can all get to net zero."

Works are scheduled to begin later this year, following detailed design stages.

Richmond Council will continue to work closely with delivery partners and Salix Finance to ensure all elements of the scheme meet required standards and deliver lasting environmental benefits.