The Climate Change Citizens' Panel session 4

The Climate Change Citizens' Panel session 4

Purpose of day four

The main themes of the day revolved around climate action through housing, energy, health and local policy. Here's a breakdown of the key themes:

• Net zero transition: moving away from gas boilers, energy efficiency, individual choices, policy and cost challenges.
• Energy efficiency and retrofit: heat pumps, solar panels, insulation
• Public health and climate:  air quality, disease risk, food/housing insecurity, co-benefits of climate action on health.
• Local government and planning policy: local plans, development strategy, climate adaptation and mitigation.

 To help address the overarching question:

"What steps can we take locally to address climate change and protect the environment?"

Day activities

Developing and drafting recommendations: guided group sessions with Share Future facilitators to help participants understand what needs to be included in recommendations and how to frame effective, actionable recommendations to inform their work after completion of the panel.

Questions to speakers about various aspects of climate action through housing, energy, health and local policy.

Talks on the day:

The talks brought together experts from local councils, national committees, and housing organisations to explore how planning, housing and public health strategies can support climate action across Surrey. Presentations focused on integrating climate mitigation and adaptation into local plans, transitioning to net zero through energy efficiency and clean heating and addressing the health impacts of climate change. The day also highlighted innovative retrofit initiatives, community engagement and the importance of evidence-based policy to create a more sustainable and resilient future. 

Speakers

Esther Harris, Senior Analyst - Climate Change Committee

The Committee advises the UK Government on the climate risks which are facing the UK. This independent assessment of climate risk is produced every five years.

Esther explains how the UK can transition to net zero by 2050 through changes in residential heating, energy efficiency and individual choices. She highlights the challenges, costs and policies needed to move away from gas boilers and toward a cleaner, fairer energy future.

Ben James - Local Plan Manager, Elmbridge Borough Council 

Ben from Planning Policy Services at Elmbridge Borough Council explains how local plans are shaped and how they shape development across Surrey. He explains how they can be used to address climate change through planning policy. Ben also highlights key strategies for climate mitigation and adaptation.

Negin Sarafraz-Shekary - Surrey Health Determinants Research Collaboration (Surrey County Council) 

Surrey County Council has received funding from the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) to launch a Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), partnering with the University of Surrey and other local organisations to promote evidence-based approaches to public health. This research focuses on understanding and addressing the wider determinants of health, such as housing, food poverty and air quality, by involving residents in setting research priorities and informing policy decisions.

Negin, a Public Health Specialist, explores how climate change affects our health from rising risks of disease and poor air quality to food and housing insecurity. She highlights the links between climate action and public health, and how transport, housing and diet choices can improve both planetary and personal wellbeing.

Andrew Gainsford - Surrey County Council

Andrew explains how Surrey County Council is driving forward home energy improvements through community-led advice, free retrofit measures for low-income households and solar initiatives. With a strategic action plan and a focus on green careers, he highlights how Surrey County Council aims to make every home comfortable, affordable and sustainable.

Gemma Voaden, Delivery Manager in Together Housing's Net Zero Team 

Together Housing is one of the leading social landlords in the north of England, managing and letting over 36000 homes.

Together Housing Group is leading the way in sustainable social housing, retrofitting thousands of homes with heat pumps, solar panels and insulation. 

Gemma Voaden shares innovative trials, resident success stories and the group's bold Net Zero goals for 2035.

Next Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens' Panel

Session 5, taking place at the end of October will focus on the formulation of recommendations based on the four previous sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please review our FAQs if you have a question about the Citizens’ Assembly process.  If the FAQs do not answer your question please contact us at climatechange@elmbridge.gov.uk.

Find out how we are working towards a more Sustainable Elmbridge.