Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is raising the bar for climate action at the local level, showcasing how bold goals, interdepartmental cooperation, and active community involvement can accelerate progress toward net zero.

In a recent conversation with TEAM Energy, Kelly Murphy, the Council’s Climate Change Officer, shared insights into their strategic approach. Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, the Council has developed a comprehensive net zero roadmap, underpinned by a climate action plan featuring more than 100 initiatives. Achieving net zero is now a central focus, with targets established for the organisation by 2030 and for the wider borough by 2050.

“Action on climate change is embedded throughout our policies and strategies,” said Kelly Murphy. “We’ve strengthened governance, established a dedicated climate and biodiversity cabinet panel, and created a climate officers’ group to coordinate projects across all directorates.”

Despite facing financial and resource constraints, the Council has adopted innovative approaches, tapping into grant funding and building strong volunteer networks. Key achievements include securing investment for museum lighting improvements, installing outdoor gym equipment that generates energy, and mobilising volunteers who contributed over 800 days last year to support sustainability efforts.

Transparency remains a cornerstone of their strategy, exemplified by the launch of a climate hub in 2024. This platform consolidates all climate-related updates, performance data, and annual greenhouse gas reports.

“We want to ensure the borough is sustainable and resilient for future generations, and it is imperative that we act now,” Murphy emphasises.

Among Welwyn Hatfield’s notable accomplishments:

• Successful engagement with the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, leading to the installation of heat pumps and solar PV across council facilities.
• Securing £6.4 million from the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund to retrofit social housing, enhancing energy efficiency and resident wellbeing.
• Continued work supported by the Warm Homes: Local Grant, aimed at improving privately owned homes.
• Rollout of climate awareness training for staff and residents, helping embed sustainability into everyday practices.

The Council also relies on TEAM Energy’s Sigma energy management software to track and optimise energy consumption in real time, ensuring precise reporting and operational efficiency.

“Our indirect impact is substantial,” Murphy noted. “By engaging with the community and supply chain partners, and by making sustainability a core value, we’re helping others take meaningful steps toward net zero.”

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s journey highlights the transformative potential of local leadership in addressing the climate emergency, proving that impactful change begins at the community level.