Report, Business Case and Project templates
On 21 November 2019, the Environment and Sustainability Committee agreed that all reports which required a decision by councillors should include a mandatory section considering the environmental and sustainability/biodiversity implications of the subject of the reports. We have also updated our business case and project templates to include a mandatory section on climate change impacts, ensuring new activities identify and detail these impacts in proposals.
Carbon Literacy Training
Approved at Corporate Management Committee on 20 April 2023, the Council is currently rolling out carbon literacy training to members and senior officers. Carbon literacy training provides an understanding of the causes and impacts of everyday carbon emissions offering a starting point to enact real change. Training for members took place from June to July 2023, and senior officers in November 2023 and the first staff cohort was trained during Great Big Green Week 2025.
Runnymede Talks
The Council’s flagship magazine, Runnymede Talks, is now printed on FSC approved paper. The FSC system allows organisations to identify, buy and use paper and other forest products made with materials from well-managed forests and or other recycled sources. FSC approval means the paper used helps to ensure our forests are alive for generations to come.
Reducing emissions from the council fleet
The Council’s Meals at Home service is operated with 4 Electric Vehicles which have the benefit of reducing emissions whilst maintaining this important service for residents, and we continually look for opportunities to transition further to EV.
At Environment and Sustainability Committee on 7 March 2024, members unanimously approved the transition from diesel to Hydrogenate Vegetable Oil (HVO) to power the Council’s entire 80 vehicle fleet. Runnymede is the first Council is Surrey to make this transition and is expected to reduce the Council’s fleet emissions by up to 90%.
Sustainable Procurement Policy
At Full Council on 27 April 2023, the Council adopted its new procurement strategy with a renewed focus on sustainable procurement and delivery of social value when purchasing goods, works and services are the highlights of Runnymede Borough Council’s new corporate procurement strategy.
When submitting a tender or quote to supply the Council, potential suppliers will be asked to demonstrate how they can meet additional relevant criteria such as social value, sustainability and carbon reduction, which support the Council's objectives and aims laid out in its Climate Change Strategy.
Climate Change & Sustainability Staff Interest Group
We have initiated a quarterly Climate Change & Sustainability Staff Interest Group which aims to provide information about initiatives being undertaken on a range of climate & sustainability themes, both within the Council and externally, that will give our staff an understanding of what we are doing as a Council in this space, and how they can act, be that inside or outside of work.
Energy efficient multi-functional devices
In February 2025, the Council rolled out new multi-functional devices (printers, scanners, and copiers) which deliver substantial sustainability benefits. The new devices use over 80% less energy than the Council’s previous models, supporting our sustainability goals and reducing operating costs. In addition, new print management has been deployed alongside this rollout which provides prompts to staff encouraging them to consider whether printing is required, and where it is, nudging these jobs to be double-sided and black and white.
Supporting the Climate & Nature Bill
Runnymede Councillors across the political spectrum voiced their support for the Climate and Nature Bill which is passing through the legislative process in the Houses of Parliament.
A resolution raised by Chair of the Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee in support of the Bill was approved at a Full Council meeting on 27 February 2025. As a result, the Council has made its position public and written to the borough’s two MPs and the Zero Hour Campaign, making clear its support.
Sustainability at the Runnymede business awards
The Annual Runnymede Business Awards now includes a Sustainability Award to recognise organisations in the borough acting on climate change and leading the way on protecting the environment. This award was first introduced in 2023 and is due to continue in the future.
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Get in touch about Climate change
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