Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled its updated Corporate Environment Plan for 2026, marking a significant intensification of the capital’s efforts to build a more resilient, reliable, and sustainable transport network in the face of the ongoing climate emergency.
The comprehensive strategy, which includes over 70 distinct actions, outlines how London’s sprawling transport system will adapt to increasingly frequent extreme weather events while continuing to drive down carbon emissions. As the operator of one of the world’s largest integrated transport networks, TfL is positioning itself as a central pillar in the Mayor of London’s vision for a greener, more sustainable city.
Lilli Matson, TfL’s chief safety, health and environment officer, emphasized the urgency of the new measures. “We know that our city needs to be more sustainable and climate-resilient to continue being a fantastic place to live, work and travel,” Matson stated. “The impact of the climate emergency is becoming increasingly apparent and we need to work together at pace to take the action that’s needed to adapt our city and network, mitigating any risks.”
A primary focus of the 2026 plan is climate adaptation. Recognizing the threat posed by heavy rainfall and flash flooding, TfL has committed to installing at least 10,000m² of new sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) every year until 2035. These systems are designed to manage rainwater runoff, thereby reducing flood risks and protecting local waterways. Recent infrastructure improvements, such as the A23 Streatham Hill scheme, have already begun to incorporate these measures, delivering 17,000m² of SuDS catchment while simultaneously improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Beyond adaptation, the plan sets out an aggressive roadmap for further decarbonization. Building on the success of the 2021 strategy—which saw London’s zero-emission bus fleet grow from 30 in 2016 to more than 3,000 today—TfL aims to transition its entire operational fleet to zero-emission models.
Energy security and efficiency also remain high priorities. TfL is moving forward with innovative “private wire” schemes, which will allow the London Underground to draw zero-carbon electricity directly from dedicated solar installations, bypassing the National Grid. To support this, a new solar facility is being developed in Longfield, Essex, and energy efficiency upgrades are being rolled out across the network, including the transition of all 12,000 London bus shelters to energy-saving LED lighting.
Additionally, the transport authority is working to support the wider adoption of electric vehicles by partnering with private operators such as Zest, Total Energies, and Fastned to expand the availability of rapid and ultra-rapid charging hubs across the capital.
The environmental benefits of these initiatives extend beyond carbon reduction. TfL is currently maintaining 520,000m² of wildflower verges to promote urban biodiversity and support vital pollinators. These efforts complement broader public health initiatives, such as the 2023 expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which now covers every London borough and provides cleaner air for five million residents.
Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for environment and energy, welcomed the updated plan while acknowledging the scale of the challenge. “The climate crisis is on our doorstep, and is already disrupting vital services and costing our economy hundreds of millions of pounds,” Coban noted. “It is encouraging to see TfL unveiling its updated Corporate Environment Plan, setting out further action to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change.”
As TfL moves toward 2026, the updated plan aims to strike a balance between maintaining high-frequency, reliable mobility and fulfilling long-term environmental commitments. Through a combination of infrastructure hardening, renewable energy integration, and biodiversity protection, TfL intends to ensure that London’s transport network remains robust in a changing climate.
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