In 2019 Medway Council declared a climate emergency, to respond to one of the most important challenges of our time.
We recognise the need for us to act against climate change, but we will not be able to combat this threat alone. It will need the combined actions of Medway’s residents, communities, and businesses.
Our action plan has laid out how we will respond to climate change, both as a council, and as a community. It is a working document that will evolve as new opportunities and technologies come to light.
There are actions for the council to lead on, and there are actions for how as a community we must respond. Read our Refreshed Climate Change Action Plan 2022 to see how together we can work towards addressing this challenge, and what you can do to take action.
Our 11 high level priorities:
Emission reduction pathways
We’ll report on our carbon emissions and find out where we need to get to.
More about our emission reduction pathways priority
Public sector decision making
We'll ensure that climate change is at the heart of everything we do for a low carbon future.
More about our public sector decision making priority
Planning and development
We’ll ensure the new Local Plan supports a transition towards a low-carbon future.
More about our planning and development priority
Climate emergency funding
We’ll establish a strong financial plan and work with Medway’s communities and businesses to access low carbon funding.
More about our climate emergency funding priority
Building retrofit programme
We’ll undertake a review of all council buildings for energy efficiency measures and inform businesses and residents about energy grants for privately owned buildings.
More about our building retrofit priority
Transport, travel and digital connectivity
We’ll provide improved opportunities to walk, cycle, use public transport and electric vehicles to help reduce emissions.
More about our transport, travel and digital connectivity priority
Renewable energy generation
Working with developing markets we’ll explore opportunities for alternative energy.
More about our renewable energy generation priority
Green and blue infrastructure
We’ll enhance Medway’s green (parks, gardens, trees) and blue (river and wetlands) assets so that they can effectively fight climate change.
Supporting low carbon business
We’ll help businesses with their low carbon and climate resilience plans.
More about our supporting low carbon business priority
Communications
We’ll engage with residents, businesses, schools and visitors on climate change.
More about our communications priority
Climate adaptation and resilience
We’ll prepare for a changing climate and ensure improved resilience.
More about our climate adaptation and resilience priority
Progress
We are committed to regular reporting of our progress.
Our actions will achieve net zero carbon through:
Reducing
Using energy efficiency measures to reduce the demand for energy, such as LED lighting.
Eliminating
Using energy from renewable sources that do not produce any carbon emissions, such as solar PV systems.
Removal
Using carbon offsetting to balance out the remaining amount of emissions, such as planting trees. This is the last step in a carbon management plan.
Download action plan and reports
- download our priority actions for our refreshed Action Plan 2022
- download full Climate Change Action Plan 2022
- download Simplified Climate Change Action Plan 2022
- read our Climate Change Progress Report 2022
- read our Climate Change Action Plan 2021.
Small changes
Many people think that climate change is too big an issue to tackle by themselves.
If we all make lots of small changes it will help. Find out how you can take action.
Contact details
Facebook: @MedwayClimateChange
Twitter: @M_ClimateChange
Instagram: Medway Climate Change
Email: climatechange@medway.gov.uk
Visit the climate change home page.