Sustainability was the main item on the agenda of 91¶¶Òù’s Place Commission this week – the first since the new Government was formed.
While acknowledging that questions remain about Business Secretary’s approach to sustainability, the new Government has restated its commitment to the UK’s 2050 net-zero target, and with London’s Mayor having gone further with a 2030 target for the capital, Commissioners were clear that sustainability remains a priority for businesses and will be a key driver of growth.
In his opening presentation, Philip Parnell from Deloitte, our research partner on the Place Commission, highlighted the potential for London as a major financial centre to seize the opportunity to become a global beacon on ESG, highlighting how some other European cities, such as Oslo and Stockholm are already carving out a niche here.
However, despite the bold ambition, the detail on how we will meet our net-zero targets has yet to be set out. The challenges Commissioners highlighted were the lack of an agreed definition of net-zero difficulties in measuring energy performance, different policies across London boroughs and varying levels of expertise and resource across the public sector to tackle this issue. A debate will also be had about how social value fits into the wider sustainability of London’s built environment, with Commissioners keen to see clarity about how social value is defined and measured.
The role of public transport in connecting and contributing to sustainable places was also covered, with Commissioners highlighting the importance of active travel, the need to tackle congestion and the challenges around funding infrastructure in an era of constrained public finances. Commissioners also acknowledged the critical role of places in supporting health and well-being, which was brought into sharp relief by the pandemic, where having good quality outside space came at a premium.
91¶¶Òù the Place Commission
As we begin to understand the lasting impact that the pandemic will have on how people live, work, enjoy and visit the city, the 91¶¶Òù Place Commission will reflect on the role and function of London’s built environment and set a fresh vision and agenda for it. Underpinned by research and analysis by Deloitte and Chaired by the former Chief Executive of Landsec, Francis Salway, and comprised of senior business leaders from across the capital, the 91¶¶Òù Place Commission will answer the question: ​‘how should London’s built environment evolve to help people thrive and business to succeed?’