Richmond Council has been recognised as one of the world's leading local authorities on climate action after being awarded a top 'A' grade from the global environmental body, CDP.

It is the third consecutive year that Richmond upon Thames has earned this prestigious international recognition—one of just five local authorities in London and only 112 cities and boroughs worldwide to achieve the highest possible score.

The ranking celebrates areas that are not only reducing emissions and preparing for climate impacts, but also demonstrating transparency in how they report and track progress. Only around 15% of areas that submitted climate data to CDP this year received an A rating.

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of Richmond Council's Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said the award shows the borough's commitment to real, measurable action on the climate crisis.

"This isn't just about setting ambitious targets – it's about taking real action and holding ourselves accountable," she said.

"From greener transport to flood resilience and energy efficiency, we're delivering real progress. Tackling the climate emergency requires long-term commitment and collective action, and we are leading the way."

Key achievements over the past year include:

• Expanding the borough's EV charging network to nearly 1,000 points – one of the highest per capita rates in London
• Introducing some of the UK's most ambitious air quality targets
• Securing £7 million in external funding to decarbonise key council buildings
• Launching a new climate risk mapping tool to better target vulnerable areas
• Growing e-cargo bike hubs and active travel schemes
• Awarding 28 Climate Action Microgrants to support sustainable local projects
• Rolling out nature-based flood solutions in the Beverley Brook catchment
• Launching a new Retrofit Strategy for homes and buildings

The Council has committed to becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and reaching net zero borough-wide by 2043.

Cllr Neden-Watts said community involvement had been a crucial part of shaping Richmond's approach to sustainability.

She commented: "Climate action is only effective when it reflects the voices and needs of our communities. Through initiatives like our Community Reporter Scheme, we've worked hard to listen, learn, and make sure our Climate and Nature Strategy reflects the whole borough."

Council Leader Gareth Roberts added: "Richmond is proud to be one of a small number of councils worldwide setting the pace on climate.

"This A grade recognises the hard work happening every day across Richmond—from our residents and partners to the Council itself—to tackle the climate emergency head-on. We'll keep pushing forward to protect our borough and our environment."

To achieve an A rating, councils must publicly report climate data, outline clear emissions targets, map local climate risks, and have a climate adaptation strategy in place.

Alongside Richmond, the other London authorities awarded an A grade were Wandsworth, the Greater London Authority, City of London Corporation, and Hammersmith & Fulham.