Council Initiatives

Transport

We have installed electric charging points across the district. In addition, 23 rural EV charging points are being installed across Leicestershire county. The funding has come from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) and Business Rates Pools. Leicestershire County Council also have funding for on-street chargers, with more chargers being planned for installation later this year. We work closely with Leicestershire County Council on active travel and highways planning. 

Several council-owned car parks have recently undergone upgrades to improve sustainability and user experience. Traditional energy-intensive lighting has been replaced with modern LED systems, reducing energy consumption while enhancing visibility and safety for visitors. In addition, some locations now feature new cycle racks and shelters, providing secure facilities for residents and visitors who choose to travel by bike. These improvements support active travel and make it easier for people to enjoy time in the district while reducing their carbon footprint. 

Council Buildings

We have invested in new energy efficient buildings (Harborough Enterprise Centre) built to BREEAM excellent standard. Work is currently taking place on The Symington Building to future proof its windows and roof reducing the carbon footprint of the council’s main building. Existing lighting has been replaced with modern LED systems, reducing energy consumption. We are continually looking at improving the energy efficiency of our buildings and monitor energy use regularly. We have also retrofit our existing buildings to be more energy efficient and generate renewable electricity. The Harborough Innovation Centre has recently benefitted from the installation of PV panels (often called solar panels) and in the Harborough Market Hall we have fitted an air source heat pump in the food hall.   

To make the council's Temporary Housing stock more efficient, Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) ratings are improved by replacing old boilers, removing gas fires, topping up existing loft insulation from 100mm to 270mm, installing smart utility meters and replacing all lamps with energy efficient LED lamps including some fixed LED luminaires. We are also looking at installing PV panels to other assets, lowering energy costs and reducing energy consumption further.

Waste

Our waste collection service helps keep the community clean, safe, and environmentally responsible. We provide reliable, scheduled collections of waste and recycling for both household & commercial businesses, ensuring that materials are managed and disposed of properly. We collect a wide range of recyclable materials, helping reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. Items such as paper, cardboard, plastics, cans, and glass are sorted and sent for reprocessing so they can be turned into new products. 

We are introducing a food waste service in 2026. Food waste will be collected separately and taken to specialist facilities where it can be turned into renewable energy or nutrient‑rich compost. This reduces environmental impact and supports sustainable waste management. Our green waste collection service helps residents dispose of garden waste in an environmentally responsible way. By collecting and recycling organic materials, we reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and support a more sustainable community. 

We collect a wide range of garden materials, including: 

• Grass cuttings 
• Leaves and hedge trimmings
• Small branches and twigs 
• Plants, weeds, and flowers 

Once collected, green waste is shredded, composted, and turned into reusable products such as compost or mulch. This process helps: 

• Reduce landfill use 
• Lower carbon emissions 
• Support local agriculture and landscaping projects 

We collect bulky items and ensure they are managed responsibly, helping reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. Furniture, appliances, and other large materials are collected and directed for reuse, recycling, or safe treatment so valuable resources can be recovered and harmful substances kept out of the environment. Our crews work to high safety and environmental standards. We ensure waste is handled correctly, vehicles are operated safely, and collections are completed with minimal disruption to residents. 

By providing regular collections and promoting recycling, we help reduce litter, protect wildlife, and support a cleaner, greener environment for everyone. 

Land use  

Our Local Plan includes specific policies to ensure climate change is considered in new developments. We work with the East Mercia Rivers Trust and The Soar Catchment Partnership, as well as local community groups (Harborough Woodland) to promote woodland and wildflower meadow creation, as well as opportunities for natural flood management.  Our own team are actively promoting wildflower planting and additional trees on Council owned land where appropriate. We also have robust standards for new developers for the creation of semi natural green space. The Open Spaces Strategy is being reviewed and will include provision for Natural and Semi Natural Greenspace. We continue to promote climate change through neighbourhood plans, and we are developing plans to encourage healthy neighbourhoods.  

In 2025 Harborough District Council acquired over 180 acres of land just above Great Bowden. This land falls within a strategically significant area to support nature recovery. The Rewilding Harborough project sets out to restore natural habitats and natural processes to increase biodiversity and support nature recovery. By doing so, it will help create a more resilient and healthier environment. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project will provide access to new wild spaces for the local community, offering opportunities for learning, improved health and wellbeing in a natural setting. Ultimately, the goal for this land is to create a mosaic of connected habitats resulting in a landscape rich in wildlife where people can experience nature and access opportunities for learning, health and wellbeing. 

Other

The council recognises that the effects of climate change will be felt within communities for many years, including flooding, more variable weather overheating, rising river levels, loss of biodiversity habitats, social and health effects.  The council works in partnership to build resilience with local communities and to look for opportunities to address impacts, using nature-based solutions. We are working on emergency planning with parishes and working with partners to reduce flood risk, especially in Market Harborough, Broughton Astley and Great Glen. The Local Plan also includes policies to ensure development considers future climate impacts.