Going greener faster
Protecting the environment is part of the Liberal Democrat DNA. We will make Southwark the greenest borough in London. Labour talk the talk, but they have been forced to admit that they will fail to meet their climate targets. Liberal Democrats have a plan to go greener, faster.
Our green spaces are precious assets that must be protected and enhanced - both for nature and the wellbeing and enjoyment of local people.
We will:
- Open 8 new parks and green spaces across the borough, one in each neighbourhood.
- Create greener, warmer, cheaper homes by recreating the London Mayor’s scrapped warmer homes retrofitting scheme for private owners and investing in the council’s own housing to bring bills down and reduce emissions.
- Generate green energy by installing solar panels across the council’s properties, cutting energy bills and our carbon footprint.
- Plant 130,000 more trees over the next four years, and protect mature trees and hedgerows.
- Prioritise our parks for people not profit, by limiting use for large commercial events during the summer months.
Spotlight on: A recycling revolution
Most of the top councils for recycling are Liberal Democrat run, including here in London. By contrast, Southwark is one of the worst London boroughs for recycling - with a recycling rate that has either gone down or stayed the same every single year.
Liberal Democrats would ensure at least 60% of all waste is recycled. We will:
- Ensure that all new builds make recycling easier and older council estates are retrofitted to have modern recycling facilities.
- Consider cash incentives for residents to recycle more.
- Work with high street businesses and Business Improvement Districts to better manage commercial waste, remove clutter and integrate waste and recycling facilities into our streets.
