The council's net zero target, established with a 2019/20 baseline, has seen carbon emissions fall by 21.4% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Fuel and electricity emissions have decreased by 26.2%, surpassing the 2025 goal of a 22% reduction. Overall borough-wide emissions are down by 23.5% since 2019, with per-person emissions reduced by 27%.
Investments in renewable energy and building improvements are yielding tangible results. Emissions from Watford's leisure centres have dropped by 18%, with the Woodside Leisure Centre seeing an 27% reduction following the installation of rooftop solar panels in 2025. The Watford Colosseum has also incorporated decarbonisation measures, including cavity wall insulation and solar panels, as the council continues to explore further solar opportunities across its properties.
Progress in nature conservation has been particularly strong, with 42% of the council's green spaces now managed to support wildlife, exceeding the 2030 target. Tree canopy cover has reached 26%, surpassing both 2027 and 2030 targets, supported by an ongoing tree planting programme that has seen 26,000 trees planted or distributed.
The publication of Watford’s new Green Spaces Strategy outlines a long-term vision for enhancing green spaces to support wildlife, promote healthier communities, and increase resilience to climate change. Watford currently holds 17 Green Flag Award parks, the highest number in Hertfordshire.
Residents are also benefiting from initiatives aimed at improving home warmth and energy efficiency. A £3.75 million Warmer Homes grant programme is delivering improvements expected to save approximately 7,000 kgCO2 per year, including the installation of solar panels, air-source heat pumps, and external wall insulation. Work is also underway to upgrade social housing properties across the borough to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above. Properties rated 'D' with average annual utility bills of £2,419 could see savings of around £663 per year if upgraded to 'C'.
Community action is also being supported through programmes such as the Great Big Green Week events, the Watford Repair Café, and the Library of Requirements, encouraging residents to repair, reuse, and borrow items. Separate food waste collections have been rolled out to flats, alongside efforts to enhance recycling and waste monitoring.
“"We have made really encouraging progress, from cutting emissions and investing in renewable energy to improving our green spaces and supporting residents to make their homes more efficient."
“"These achievements show what sustained local action can deliver, by the council, by businesses and of course by residents and community groups. We must continue, as a town, to work together to make Watford greener, healthier and more resilient as there is still a very long way to go. We must also recognise that to truly deliver on our international commitments our national government must ensure that climate and nature action is funded properly, and more must be done to support home insulation, affordable travel and better access to active travel."
The annual report acknowledges that further work is required, with water usage remaining above target and borough recycling needing improvement. Achieving net zero will necessitate continued investment, further climate adaptation measures, and support from partners.
Watford Borough Council's Environmental Strategy, adopted in 2023, outlines its approach to the climate and ecological emergency through themes of 'Leading by Example' and 'People Power', focusing on net zero, nature, responsible resource use, and adapting to change. More information is available at watford.gov.uk/sustainable-watford.
