This mission is a continuation of the Suburb’s proud heritage. It was founded in 1906 by Dame Henrietta Barnett to be an alternative to high density urban development, with a much greater emphasis on green space. Revolutionary in its time, it showed a new way forward for city life. We think it should show the way again, this time by responding with urgency to the climate crisis.

What does HGS REACH do?

Our focus is  home energy efficiency and travel. Why? Because for most households, 25% of their CO2 is emitted by their gas boiler and 15% or more from their petrol or diesel car. (There’s a great chart on this here.) 

The way to slash carbon emissions is by insulating our homes, installing a heat pump and using an electric vehicle (or better yet, using public transport or cycling). We’re actively trying to help Suburb residents with both of these, with advice that is tailored to the unique architecture and building controls of the Suburb. 

We’re also interested in air quality, which isn’t as good as many in the Suburb think. By focusing clearly on the two big things that affect HGS residents’ CO2 emissions in the human-made technological environment, we wish to complement the sustainability work of other Resident Association initiatives, such as Trees & Open Spaces, that aim to protect the natural environment, in particular veteran trees, and the Suburb’s many wonderful green spaces.

 If you are an HGS resident you can join our mailing list by emailing reach@hgsra.uk. Better yet, send us an email if you think you can help in capacity, from publicity to helping organise community events.  HGS REACH is a sub-committee of the HGS Residents Association, and our public meetings are free to RA members. We’ve run teach-ins on heat pumps, eco-refurbishment and organised other community activities, most of which are reported on this site.

Our terms of reference are here: 

 1. To support Suburb residents in preparation for environmental challenges by taking initiatives that will play a part in reducing our contribution to emissions and thus to the warming of the planet.  

 2. To raise awareness of residents on steps they can take to support the global challenge including regular articles in Suburb News and E News. 

 3. Provide information on solutions to mitigate the impact of heating and running our homes including air and ground source heat pumps; solar panels; community energy projects; insulation and double glazing.   

 4. Identify solutions to minimise the impact of local flooding.  

 5. Consider actions we can take to reduce local pollution and enhance biodiversity. 

 6. Consult and co-operate with LB Barnet, HGS Trust, City of London, Transport for London, Environment Agency, and other relevant bodies as applicable. 

 7. Aim is to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions from the area by 2040 and to work with residents and relevant stakeholders to achieve this ambitious target.