Reading town celebrated for tackling climate change

2
Skip to next photo
1/1
Show caption
1/1
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Reading has been celebrated for its commitment to tackling climate change at an awards ceremony. 

The Let's Celebrate Towns awards, hosted by Visa and the British Retail Consortium, was formed to acknowledge the work done in towns across the country that help local businesses and communities to thrive. 

Reading was shortlisted in a category acknowledging environmental improvements.

The awards ceremony took place in Parliament on Wednesday, July 16.

The event was hosted by ITV broadcaster Charlene White, and was attended by Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading Central and Alice Mpofu Coles, the Mayor of Reading.  

Mr Rodda said: "I am very proud of our town, and I am delighted that we got to the final six towns in the environment award at the Let's Celebrate Towns Awards.

"This was a tribute to the amazing work underway in Reading cutting emissions and speeding up the transition to Net Zero.

"The organisers recognised the work from Reading Borough Council, the voluntary sector, business and residents."

Councillor Mpofu-Coles (Labour, Whitley) added: "The amazing thing we should celebrate is that we were shortlisted amongst over 170 towns in UK.

"Our town is vibrant and diverse. So, the contribution by everyone from a micro level to a higher level is valuable to this town and is appreciated."

Progress made in reducing carbon emissions in Reading

The recognition comes as carbon emissions in Reading have fallen 57 per cent between the baseline year of 2005 and 2023. 

The ultimate winners of the awards were Ramsgate, Gosport, Morecambe, Swanley, Malton & Norton and Wallsend. 

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos