Southwark takes strides towards sustainable energy

19 January 2021

Southwark Council today confirmed that all of the electricity in its offices and buildings, from the Town Hall to day centres and park huts, in addition to all of its street lighting, is now powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.

Southwark is leading the way by ensuring that, as the largest council landlord in London, it is moving to more sustainable energy sources. Southwark Council’s electricity power source is changing to wind and solar farms, away from dirty fossil fuels, like coal.

Electricity in communal spaces across the council’s housing stock will also all be powered by renewable energy, from September next year. This includes all of the electricity that powers lighting in stairwells, lifts and other shared spaces, along with the power needed to run equipment for heating systems, and more.

Southwark Council is also working on renewable energy options for its schools and will be reaching out about this in a few months’ time.

The council has no control over electricity suppliers for anyone’s home or business, but would encourage people to look at moving to a renewable supplier, using websites such as Uswitch. These outline the many benefits of cleaner energy and possible savings associated with making the change. They also offer advice about tariffs and can help people to make informed choices, dependent on their circumstances.

Cllr Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Planning and Transport, said: “I am delighted to confirm that Southwark has switched the electricity in all of our council buildings and street lighting to renewable energy. Council managed housing spaces and schools are up next. This is the next stage in our response to the Climate Emergency and our commitment to reaching net zero by 2030.

“We will keep working towards more and improved sustainable energy sources and invite others to see what they are able to do as well.”

Page last updated: 19 January 2021