On 20 January 2026, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Environment Committee noted the progress achieved over the past year in delivering its second Climate Change Action Plan (2025–2029). Updated annually, the plan sets out the steps being taken toward the council’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2035. Latest figures show a 19% reduction in operational emissions since 2019/2020. (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Environment Committee, 20/01/2026 19:30

The figure reflects revised full year electricity data for council venues including Epsom Town Hall, Bourne Hall in Ewell and Epsom Playhouse for 2019/20 and 2020/21.

Ewell High Street’s Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), a designated zone where pollution levels previously exceeded national air quality standards, was formally revoked earlier this year—an important milestone reflecting sustained, significant improvements in nitrogen dioxide levels and the success of efforts to tackle pollution previously linked to road traffic.

Other major achievements included:

• Bourne Hall windows replaced with double glazing, with expected annual savings of 20 tonnes of carbon emissions.
• Epsom Playhouse stage lighting converted to LEDs, with expected annual saving of 4 tonnes of carbon emissions.
• Green Your Home Guide was launched, offering residents practical, easy-to-follow advice on how to make homes and gardens more environmentally friendly.
• Partnership initiatives supporting residents through programmes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Warm Home Grant and Solar Together group-purchasing scheme.
• Rainbow Leisure Centre had 177kWp solar PV system installed onto its roof - partial-year figures show that annual savings will be over 30 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said:

“We’re proud that our Climate Change Action Plan continues to drive meaningful action across the council and within our community. It provides a strong platform for the changes we need to make and is pivotal to everything we do—from the way we deliver services to how we shape policies and long-term strategies.

“A clear example of this progress is the formal revocation of Ewell High Street’s Air Quality Management Area, which shows how targeted, sustained actions can bring about real environmental improvements. This achievement reflects the dedication of our teams and the strength of our partnerships—particularly with the Highways Authority—in tackling the root causes of poor air quality and reducing traffic related nitrogen dioxide levels.

“We remain committed to ensuring our community continues to benefit from climate positive actions. I would like to thank our staff for their tireless efforts, and our partners for their invaluable support, as we continue to build on the progress we have already made.”

More information about the council’s Climate Change Action Plan can be found on our website: Climate Change | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council