The Council wants to know how you will help us tackle the climate emergency and reach our ambitious target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030. We are currently consulting on the draft carbon neutral plan, that sets out what changes we’ll make and what actions are necessary, before it is formally adopted by the Council in spring 2021. Alongside the consultation sustainability specialists Anthesis are facilitating an online event for residents to have their say too.The event will include... <li>An introduction to the draft action plan, including an overview of the background of the work</li> <li>A discussion of the practical actions that can be taken by residents</li> <li>An opportunity for you to share your views on the plan, including how we can better support local residents and community groups in taking action</li> <a href="https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/carbonneutralgreenwichevent">Register for the event.</a>

Residents' Consultation Event  - 2 March 2021 - 7pm

Do you care about the environment and climate change and want to do your bit?The Royal Borough of Greenwich is looking for 20 to 30 residents to join a grass roots group that will have the power to give grants to local projects that tackle climate change. The community-based Carbon Neutral Greenwich Planning Group will be entrusted with a pot of money from the Council’s budget as part of our commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions 20 years ahead of the national target and the publication of our draft carbon neutral plan, that we are currently consulting on until 7 March 2021. Other members of the local community who have solutions to climate change and helping the Council reach its ambitious carbon neutral goals will be able to bid for a portion of the money. The final decision as to who is awarded money will be made by the community planning group at an open and transparent decision-making day. Cllr Sizwe James, Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainability and Transport, said: “This is an opportunity for passionate residents to get hands on to help the Council to reach its carbon neutral targets and prevent climate change from worsening. We can’t solve the climate emergency alone, the choices we all make as individuals play a big part. However, its worst effects will be felt by our most vulnerable residents who have the least choices. “The creation of the Carbon Neutral Greenwich Planning Group is one way our communities can take ownership of this is equality and social justice issue and build a local movement of people committed to a positive future for Royal Greenwich. We need you to be part of the process and enable the community to decide on where our public budget will be awarded – so please sign up.” The Council has commissioned Mutual Gain, a third-party organisation that facilitates participatory budget making with communities, to help establish and work with the Carbon Neutral Greenwich Planning Group. Members of the group will be given training and take part in seven supported delivery sessions to shape the programme, invite bidders to apply for funding, judge if applications fit the set criteria, and plan the decision day where the wider community will be invited to vote. <a href="https://www.mutualgain.org/carbon-neutral-greenwich-planning-group-invitation/">Volunteer for the Carbon Neutral Greenwich Planning Group.</a> Mutual Gain will be holding an information session in the week beginning 1 March 2021. If you would like to attend this planning session please register and click the “I would like to attend the information session” box. <a href="https://carbonneutralgreenwich.commonplace.is/">Have your say on the draft carbon neutral plan now. You have until 7 March to give us your feedback.</a>