Heat, health, and transport: Hounslow’s green updates

Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport at Hounslow Council, discusses recent major funding wins for low-carbon heating and station accessibility in this week's column.

Over the past few months, Hounslow has taken some big steps forward in making our borough cleaner, greener and easier to get around. As always, these achievements come from working closely with partners and listening to what residents tell us matters most, from accessible public transport to affordable, reliable heating.

A major boost for greener heating in Hounslow

One of the most exciting developments is our success in securing £10.55 million from the government’s Green Heat Network Fund to kickstart the Hounslow Heat Network.

Set to begin construction in 2028, the first phase of the project will use waste heat from Mogden Sewage Treatment Works to provide clean, low carbon heating to homes and buildings across parts of Isleworth and Brentford.

Once complete, it’s expected to cut thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions every year and provide affordable, reliable heat to up to 3,000 homes.

Gaining this funding is a real win for our borough and will enable us to go further and faster in delivering our Climate Emergency Action Plan.

Securing funding for step-free access at key stations

I know how important accessible transport is to residents, whether you're a wheelchair user, travelling with a buggy, or you simply want stations that work better for everyone.

As such, I’m delighted that Kew Bridge and Gunnersbury stations have now been awarded funding to progress to the detailed design stage for step-free access under the government’s Access for All programme.

After years of campaigning by the council, local MPs and community groups, this announcement represents a huge leap forward. There’s still more work to be done, but with this funding, we’re firmly on the path towards both stations finally becoming step-free.

Cutting emissions and energy costs for schools

While large infrastructure projects often make headlines, much of our work to improve our borough and tackle the climate emergency happens much closer to home.

This spring, supported by the Greater London Authority and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, we’re installing solar panels and energy-saving LED lighting in four more schools across Hounslow, helping them cut their energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and create comfortable environments for pupils and staff.

This will bring the number of schools that have benefited from this energy overhaul to 40, meaning that we’re making real progress in our aim to reduce emissions across the borough, while helping our schools become more financially resilient through providing reliable, affordable energy.

Looking ahead

There is still much to do, but progress is happening fast. From cleaner heating for thousands of homes to stations that will be accessible for everyone, Hounslow is moving in the right direction.

As ever, if you have thoughts or questions about our climate or transport work, please get in touch with me at Katherine.Dunne@hounslow.gov.uk. Our journey to a greener, healthier Borough is one we take together.