In a week in which world leaders convene at COP28, and the first transatlantic flight powered by sustainable aviation fuel takes flight, a new report published today (Wednesday 29 November) by 91¶¶Òù, the capital’s leading campaigning group, and WSP, a world-leading multi-disciplinary professional services consultancy, sets out steps to boost London’s net zero efforts by strengthening partnership between the public and private sectors.
‘Creating a greener city: How London government and business can together drive a successful net zero transition’ includes recommendations to help the capital toward its ambitious 2030 net zero target, by boosting public awareness as well as embedding decarbonisation within supply chains, reducing emissions from buildings and prioritising the use of low carbon modes of transport. The report and recommendations have been produced by a cross-sector working group of businesses and public sector bodies, chaired by Rachel Skinner, UK Director of Government Relations & Corporate Responsibility at WSP.
London has a target to reduce its carbon emissions by 78%, relative to 1990 levels, by 2030. This is a considerably more ambitious target than many other global and UK cities – and getting there will require a step-change in the ways London businesses and politicians collaborate on climate action and decarbonisation. London boroughs, the Greater London Authority and business leaders all have a role to play in helping London lead by example and pave the way forward for other cities.
Beyond the obvious environmental benefits of transitioning to net zero, the report highlights the sizeable economic benefits that could be unlocked in the green economy through new job opportunities in sectors such as, renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport.
As we approach mayoral and national elections next year, it is essential to ensure that policymakers remain focused on decarbonisation. Demonstrating strong sustainability leadership in challenging economic times, can also deliver benefits for businesses. These include savings on energy costs over the long term, greater resilience to a changing environment and economy, and being well positioned to take advantage of new economic opportunities in green technologies and green finance.
The report’s recommendations include:
For all parties to embrace the ambition and complexity involved for London to reach its net zero targets by 2030.
London government should actively encourage larger businesses to align with established net zero frameworks, such as Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) framework to provide more consistency across net zero targets.
Increasing public awareness on the importance of climate change.
The private and public sector should work together on communication campaigns designed to change behaviour of Londoners that which ultimately benefit them (e.g., switching off lights or reducing water usage).
Going beyond the emissions that are within an organisation’s direct control and looking into their supply chain emissions with a view to track them and help decarbonise them.
The Greater London Authority should bring supply chain emissions into the Mayor’s pathway to net zero to boost understanding and widen decarbonisation efforts.
Adopting a consistent net zero building target and definition.
This should cover the full life-cycle of a building, including emissions from construction and operation.
Increasing the use of low embodied carbon building materials.
London government should explore options on how to incentivise the use of low carbon materials, such as low carbon steel, concrete and timber. This could take the form of an expedited planning process or reducing the carbon offset contribution requirements for projects that use a significant amount of low carbon materials.
Decarbonising existing buildings with a clear strategy and programme.
London boroughs should establish Local Area Energy Plans21 (LAEPs) to help them identify the most effective routes for their local areas and buildings to decarbonise.
Low carbon modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport, to be prioritised in policy and investment decision making.
Develop initiatives and fund research to help understand how best to decarbonise HGVs and road haulage to support the decarbonisation of London’s freight and logistics sector.
Rachel Skinner, UK Director of Government Relations & Corporate Responsibility at WSP, said:
​“When London’s net zero policy goal was accelerated in 2021, bringing the target date forward to 2030, it brought the reality and detail of the boundaries of the city-wide net zero goal into sharp focus. It has been obvious for some years that neither government nor business holds all the ​‘decarbonisation keys’ for a city or place, but with stronger teamwork we can move faster and make more efficient change.
​“Achieving net zero is paramount, alongside the related task of adapting the city to become more resilient to more frequent extreme weather events, but facing these climate challenges is essential and ever-more urgent. On the basis that action beats inaction, and that collective action is easier, faster and less risky than acting alone, this 91¶¶Òù initiative has brought together representatives of the public and private sectors to develop recommendations to make change at a faster pace.â€
Ioanna Mytilinaiou, Sustainability Programme Director at 91¶¶Òù, said:
​“Global climate action has never been more urgent. London is in a position to lead the way when it comes to delivering on its targets and reaping the economic growth and investment opportunities that come with the transition to a net zero city. But to accelerate momentum, it is vital that policy makers and businesses alike remain focussed on decarbonisation by boosting collaboration.â€