London boroughs commit to joint climate action

New Climate Change Programme Action Plans are being published by London Councils, setting out how boroughs will work collaboratively to reach net zero targets across the capital.

The plans cover a range of issues, including retrofitting all domestic and non-domestic buildings, halving road journeys made in petrol and diesel vehicles and encouraging active travel, and reducing consumption emissions by two thirds.

The plans have been drawn from the Joint Statement on Climate Change, which was agreed by London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee and London Environment Directors’ Network, committing London boroughs to delivering major programmes which address key climate change issues.

Mayor Philip Glanville, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: ‘From confronting carbon emissions from motor vehicles, to building local green economies, and sourcing and creating sustainable energy, London boroughs are a key player in the transition to Net Zero.

‘The recommendations highlighted by the London Councils Climate Change Programme Action Plans are crucial opportunities to make London cleaner, greener and more sustainable. For example, by focusing on boosting green skills, we will see an increase in jobs across London and the number of sectors embracing green skills and technologies.

‘It is vital that we make a just transition to Net Zero that does not exclude or disadvantage any of London’s communities. That is why social justice is embedded in all of the Actions Plans. Boroughs are providing a leading example of how to collaborate to find proactive solutions on the journey to Net Zero. By implementing these plans across London’s boroughs and working with partners, we will tackle the climate emergency head on.’

Each of London Councils’ Climate Change Programmes is led by one or two lead London boroughs (LB) who will oversee and drive forward the implementation of each action plan. These include:

• Retrofit London – Retrofitting all domestic and non-domestic buildings to an average level of EPC B by 2030. Launched last year and led by LB Enfield and LB Waltham Forest.
• Low Carbon Development – Securing and increasing low carbon buildings and infrastructure through borough planning. Led by LB Hackney.
• Low Carbon Transport – Halving road journeys made by petrol and diesel, through restricting polluting journeys and implementing and encouraging people to use active travel options. Led by RB Kingston and City of Westminster.
• Renewable Power for London – Securing 100% renewable energy for London’s public sector now and in the future. Led by LB Islington.
• One World Living – Reducing consumption emissions by two thirds, focusing on food, clothing, electronics and aviation. Led by LB Harrow.
• Build the Green Economy – Developing London’s low carbon sector and making our broader economy greener. Led by LB Hounslow.

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