Sustainability in Croydon

An overview of what we're doing as a council to combat climate change, encourage healthy transport, promote sustainable development and make Croydon greener.

Croydon carbon neutral action plan

On the 7 February 2022, we formally approved the Croydon carbon neutral action plan.

The plan builds upon the recommendations found within the Croydon climate crisis commission report. It sets out our latest position on, and approach to, reducing carbon emissions from activities within the borough. Our journey to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 will be challenging and will require an enormous and collaborative effort.

Download the Croydon carbon neutral action plan (PDF, 712KB).

Climate crisis response

In July 2019, Croydon Council declared a climate emergency.

We set up the Croydon Climate Crisis Commission to guide our response to the climate emergency. In June 2021 they produced a report of recommendations that will enable the borough to become carbon neutral by 2030. Read the Croydon Climate Crisis Commission's report (PDF, 328KB).

We also convened a citizen’s assembly to support our decision-making. Find out more about the citizen's assembly.

Preventing climate change is also a factor in our local plan.

Cycling 

We want to support residents to cycle more easily to improve the local environment for everybody. Some of the steps we’ve taken to help cyclists include:

  • new cycle routes 
  • free cycle skills training for everyone
  • working together with TfL and other boroughs to create an integrated cycle network
  • secure on-street cycle hangars 

Find out more about cycling in Croydon.

Walking

As well as tackling traffic to make walking safer, we organise a range of walking activities for the public to encourage travel by foot. Find out more about walking in Croydon.

Emissions-based parking charges

We introduced emission-based charging scheme in response to duties to the National Air Quality Strategy and the London Mayor’s Transport Strategy. This provides discounts to people with low or zero-emission vehicles. Find out more about emission-based parking charges.

Electric vehicle charge points

We're installing public charging points for electric cars and vans across Croydon. We have a commitment to greatly increase the number of public charging points by 2022, in a programme continuing to 2025 and the ending of new petrol and diesel cars being sold by 2030. Find out more about EV charge points.

Energy

We provide domestic energy advice to help people reduce the amount of energy they use, which saves money and helps the environment. Find out more about green energy.

Recycling

We are part of the South London Waste Partnership, working together to provide improved and more cost-effective waste management services. Watch this video to find out more about how we recycle.

Green spaces and biodiversity

We protect green spaces and biodiversity in our planning process. Find out more in our Habitat Action Plan.

Tree planting

We are committed to planting 3,500 trees by 2022. These will reduce air pollution and make Croydon a more beautiful place. Find out more about tree planting.

Streetspace

Streetspace Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) are areas which limit through-traffic from motor vehicles on quieter residential roads. 

They were created in response to resident concerns about traffic, and with the following aims:

  • an excellent transport network that is safe, reliable and accessible to all
  • people living long, happy, healthy and independent lives
  • a cleaner and more sustainable environment

Find out more about Streetspace.

School Streets

Some streets near to schools are reserved for walkers and cyclists during the start and end of the school day.

They make it safer for children and families to walk or cycle to school, which in turn means:

  • reduced traffic
  • easier parking for residents
  • healthier families
  • less air pollution around schools
  • quieter neighbourhoods

. Find out more about School Streets.