Officer proposals on Mole Valley's Climate Change Strategy will be considered by the Scrutiny and Cabinet meetings on 2 June and 16 June 2026 respectively.

 MVDC is committed to an ambitious programme of carbon emission reduction, with the aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The MVDC Climate Change Strategy outlines steps required to build a greener, more sustainable future, with a significant reduction in carbon footprint.

The Committee and Cabinet are recommended to note progress from the 2025/26 Action Plan, which has been achieved in several key areas, including:

·         Communication and engagement with residents, businesses and staff through the Sustainable Mole Valley website, social media post and events (including the inaugural Sustainable Mole Valley Awards, celebrating local champions delivering environmental action in the community).

·         Implementation of energy efficient measures and technologies in emergency accommodation properties

·         Installation of solar carports at Leatherhead Leisure Centre

·         Tree/hedge planting and installation of bird boxes

·         Promotion of sustainable transport opportunities, including the promotion of EV charging points

·         Tracking of sustainability and social value commitments across larger-value supply chain contracts

MVDC achieved a further reduction in its direct emissions from MVDC-owned & controlled resources and from the generation of purchased energy.  Indirect emissions those occurring outside of MVDC by partners such as suppliers, and transporters have increased as a result of more accurate recording. Direct emissions from council-owned & controlled resources represent just 6% of emissions, purchased energy 10% and indirect emissions 84% of MVDC's emissions. 

The 2026/27 Climate Action Plan details initiatives designed to further reduce emissions, in line with the eight pillars previously identified such as transport, buildings, energy generation, land use, waste, education and behaviour change, governance, and supply chain). The plan prioritises high-impact emissions reductions and includes a mix of short and long-term objectives, including:

·         Decarbonisation of housing and commercial properties through the installation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies

·         Promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy schemes and grants

·         Supporting the use of electric vehicles, active travel and public transport

·         Reduction of water consumption and installation of rainwater harvesting systems

·         Reduction of flooding through improved natural drainage

·         Further engagement of supply chain

·         Continuous improvements to carbon measuring methodology to improve data quality

·         Further roll out of the MVDC carbon awareness scheme via schools, partner engagement,and events.

An MVDC spokesperson noted the strides of progress made against the 2025/26 Action Plan but looked forward to an even more ambitious 2026/27 Plan focussed on further engaging with supply chains to bring down indirect emissions. The spokesperson added that the 2026/27 Action Plan provides new opportunities to engage with residents, businesses and staff to tackle climate change as a community, through measures that include supporting the green economy, promoting jobs in the environmental sector and on nature-based solutions to prevent flooding and preserve water.

Mole Valley District Council Carbon Footprint report for 2024/25, and 2026/27 Climate Change Action Plan