Working with residents to ensure a greener future for Guildford Borough
Climate change is having a major impact on our planet. That is why Liberal Democrats on Guildford Borough Council have led the way locally by declaring a 'Climate Emergency' and set the ambitious goal of becoming a net zero carbon borough council by 2030.
Our action so far...
- Declared a climate emergency and adopted an ambitious action plan to make the council net carbon zero by 2030.
- Rewrote planning policies to require the best possible sustainability from new developments.
- Obtained one of the highest recycling rates in the UK.
- Launched a Sustainable Business Network to help local businesses cut their carbon emissions.
- Operate multiple award-winning parks and green spaces, and committed to eliminating the use of harmful pesticides.
- Created air quality management areas in Guildford, Shalford and Compton.
- Installing EV charging points across the borough and working to cut traffic congestion - we're doing this through projects such as the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and Shaping. Guildford's Future which include looking at ways to improve traffic flow.
![Ed D Visit 2021](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/8/csm_ed-d-visit-2021_5e0c13f490.png)
Our commitment for the next four years...
- Find the funding to deliver our climate change plan and to support the transition to net zero in the borough as a whole.
- Launch a new e-bike hire scheme for Guildford and Shalford by the end of 2023.
- Develop a new borough-wide infrastructure plan for walking and cycling.
- Continue to improve air quality, including with a clean air zone in the town centre and a grant scheme to help local businesses switch to electric vans to cut air pollution on the A3.
- Respond to the biodiversity crisis through re-wilding and eliminating the use of pesticides.
- Oppose sewage dumping in the River Wey and other local water courses.
![April Jacobs Well](/fileadmin/_processed_/3/c/csm_april-jacobs-well_5436bd7a96.png)