The London Fire Brigade (LFB) welcomed Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, to the inaugural tour of Walthamstow Fire Station, London’s first-ever Carbon Zero fire station. The visit signalled the Brigade’s steadfast commitment to sustainability, underscoring the urgent need to address environmental impacts while carrying out essential emergency services.

The pioneering transformation of Walthamstow Fire Station directly aligns with the Brigade’s ambitious target to achieve Carbon Zero status. Rodrigues’ visit followed that of Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, Fiona Twycross, who earlier this year demonstrated her strong support for the Brigade’s sustainability initiatives.

Rodrigues was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner for Fire Stations, Spencer Sutcliff, Assistant Director for Property Laura Birnbaum, Carbon Reduction Strategy Manager Paul Cook, Waltham Forest Borough Commander Neil Guyett, Walthamstow Station Commander Matt Williams, and other integral members of the project team. The delegation toured the station, witnessing firsthand the significant changes made, including the installation of solar panels on the station’s roof and the implementation of new energy-efficient lighting.

Eliminating gas usage

Walthamstow Fire Station has pioneered the elimination of gas usage, having replaced it with an innovative electric heat pump. The station runs on electricity solely from 100% renewable sources whenever solar power is insufficient, underscoring its prestigious status as London’s first Carbon Zero fire station.

The LFB recently secured approximately £1.4 million in funding from the UK Government via the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. This significant investment will enable the expansion of the Carbon Zero initiative to five additional fire stations by the end of 2024.

Paul Cook, Carbon Reduction Strategy Manager at the London Fire Brigade, said: “We are really proud to have made Walthamstow Fire Station carbon net zero to support the Mayor of London’s net zero 2030 target. The project has not come without its challenges, but crucially, it has proven that we can reduce the Brigade’s dependency on gas. 

“But we see this as the first step in a long journey and we have another 102 fire stations to move this forward to which we are planning for now.

“However, the trial at Walthamstow has enabled the Brigade to develop a comprehensive carbon net zero strategy which, with the funding to replicate these changes across the estate, means we can become carbon net zero by 2030, helping London to become a cleaner and greener city.”

Expressing her support, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, stated: “I was delighted to visit the capital’s first-ever carbon net zero fire station in Walthamstow. London Fire Brigade is leading the way with new green technology thanks to investment and continued support from the Mayor of London to help modernise and transform the Brigade.”

Rodrigues added: “Our emergency services have an important role to play in helping our city achieve the Mayor’s target for London to be a net zero carbon city by 2030. By using renewable energy to power vital frontline services for Londoners and better protect our environment, we can make London a greener, safer, fairer and more sustainable city for all Londoners.”

About London Fire Brigade

About the London Fire Brigade (LFB) London Fire Brigade, one of the largest firefighting and rescue organizations in the world, is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of people in London. In line with its dedication to service, LFB is proactively pursuing sustainability goals to contribute to a greener and safer London.