We are working towards a net zero council by 2030 and helping to reduce emissions across Merton to achieve a net zero borough by 2050.
Buildings and energy
The scale of the challenge
Energy used to heat and power buildings in Merton makes up around 70% of the borough's greenhouse gas inventory. But to be net-zero carbon by 2050, all buildings must be energy efficient to reduce the amount of energy used.
This can be achieved through investing in loft, wall and floor insulation and replacing doors and windows. All homes, businesses and organisations must eventually replace natural gas central heating and cooking with a low carbon alternative such as heat pumps and electric cookers.
What we are doing
2050 Borough Target - Please see Workstream 2 of our Resident Summary Report, for everything we are doing to support the retrofit/upgrade of the residential and non-residential building stock in Merton.
While you are there, explore Workstream 3 to understand how we are ensuring that future new builds and regeneration programmes are compatible with our net zero targets.
Delivering Net Zero – An evidence study to support planning policies which deliver Net Zero Carbon developments (May 2023)
Following the adoption of Part L 2021 Building Regulations on 15th June 2022, we commissioned a team of consultants (as part of a consortium of 18 London borough) to review the evidence for our energy and carbon planning policy targets in light of changes to Part L. The Delivering Net Zero report (2023) below sets out the findings of this review which support planning policies that deliver Net Zero Carbon developments. This study forms part of the updated evidence base for Merton’s draft Local Plan.
Decentralised energy networks
Decentralised energy is produced close to where it will be used and distributed by a network of underground pipes. In 2016, we appointed consultants AECOM to investigate the opportunity for delivering district heat networks in Merton. This work was funded by a grant from the Government's Heat Networks Delivery Unit (HNDU) and was completed over two phases. The first phase of local heat mapping and energy masterplanning was completed in January 2017 and the Network Development and Financial Modelling was completed in February 2018. The executive summaries and full reports are available for download below.
- Heat mapping and energy masterplanning - summary
- Heat mapping and energy masterplanning - full report
- Network Development and Financial Modelling – summary
- Network Development and Financial Modelling – full report
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What you can do
Step 1 - Reduce energy use and emissions from your home or business
There are a wide range of things you can do to cut your energy use (as well as your energy bills!) – take a look at Merton's interactive household retrofit guidance to find out more.
Low- or no-cost measures
- Do a short online assessment to see what home improvements you could make to reduce your bills and stay warm.
- See which behaviours you can change around the home with Sustainable Merton’s Energy Saving Handbook – for example save on hot water by having shorter showers, putting a lid on the pan when cooking, and not overfilling the kettle.
Deeper retrofit
- See what financial support you could access through our Green Homes Finance Page
- Find out how to upgrade your home or business to make it more energy efficient by visiting the Simple Energy Advice website and check out EcoFurb's Plan Builder.
- Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for advice on low-cost behaviour changes to save energy, guidance on air and ground source heat pumps, generating renewable energy and much more.
- Switch to a 100% green energy tariff or green energy provider – it may not cost you more than a standard tariff. London Power, founded by the Mayor of London, offers competitive green energy tariffs.
Step 2 – Take action, get involved
Get involved - in the Climate Action Group, or join one of the many community-driven climate projects which are happening in the borough. You can check out what Sustainable Merton are up to and become one of their Community Champions. You can also find out more about voluntary services in Merton.
Bid for Funding - If you are part of a group who have great ideas for local climate projects, why not consider bidding for the next round of the council’s Community Climate Action Fund? The next round is due to open in Autumn 2024, but we recommend that residents and local organisations start developing their proposals as early as possible. See the 2023 bidding page.