Richmond Council has today (Thursday, 29 May) been awarded a top 'A' grade for climate action – one of just five local authorities in London and only 112 cities worldwide to receive the highest score from international environmental body CDP.

It marks the third consecutive year the borough has achieved this prestigious global recognition, which celebrates those that are reducing emissions, preparing for climate impacts, and being transparent about their progress.

Only around 15% of cities and boroughs that submitted climate data this year received an 'A'.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said the recognition demonstrates Richmond Council's commitment to meaningful and measurable climate action.

She said: "This isn't just about setting ambitious targets – it's about taking real action and holding ourselves accountable.

"From greener transport to flood resilience and energy efficiency, we're delivering real progress. Tackling the climate emergency requires long-term commitment and collective action, and we are leading the way."

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts is Richmond Council's Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee (Credit: Richmond Council)

Richmond Council has set ambitious climate targets, including becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and reaching net zero borough-wide by 2043.

Key achievements in the past year include: 

• Expanding the borough's EV network to nearly 1,000 chargers – among the highest per capita in London
• Introducing some of the UK's most ambitious air quality targets in the new Air Quality Action Plan
• Securing £7m in external grant funding to decarbonise key Council buildings
• Launching a climate risk mapping tool to better identify and target local climate impacts
• Growing its network of e-cargo bike hubs and other active travel initiatives
• Awarding 28 Climate Action Microgrants to support local events and projects that promote sustainable behaviours
• Delivering nature-based flood management through the Community BlueScapes programme in the Beverley Brook catchment
• Launching a new Retrofit Strategy, following work by a member-led Domestic Retrofit Task & Finish Group

Cllr Neden-Watts added: "Climate action is only effective when it reflects the voices and needs of our communities.

"Through initiatives like our Community Reporter Scheme, we've worked hard to listen, learn, and incorporate diverse perspectives into our draft Climate and Nature Strategy 2025–2030.

That collaboration has been key to driving progress and making sure our approach works for everyone in Richmond upon Thames."

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said this top ranking is the result of local, practical action.

He said: "Collectively, we're making our streets cleaner, borough greener, and communities more resilient. Richmond is proud to be one of the few councils globally setting the pace on climate.

"This A grade recognises the hard work taking place every day across Richmond upon Thames – from our residents, our partners, and the Council – to tackle the climate emergency head-on.

"We'll keep pushing forward to protect our borough and our environment."

To achieve an A rating, local governments must publicly disclose data through the CDP-ICLEI platform, map local climate risks, have a clear adaptation strategy, and set measurable emissions-reduction targets.

Alongside Richmond Council, just four other London authorities achieved an A grade this year: Wandsworth Council, Greater London Authority, City of London Corporation, and Hammersmith & Fulham Council.