GOL helps set London on course to a more sustainable future

Wind turbine at Ford Dagenham (image courtesy of Ecotricity)

'London Renewables', a partnership set up by the Government Office for London with over £230,000 of Department of Trade and Industry funding, is working to ensure that London meets its renewable energy target. 

To avoid the worst effects of climate change, the Government's Energy White Paper signed up to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution target to work towards a 60% reduction (against 2000 levels) in carbon dioxide by 2050.  The Paper has also set a target for 10% of the UK's energy supply to be derived from renewable sources by 2010 and aspires for this to be doubled by 2020.

'London Renewables' is working to increase the uptake of renewable energy through the planning system and is undertaking work to raise awareness and train planners, property developers, councillors and other key stakeholders. 

With the effects of climate change upon us it is vital that London increases its use of renewable energy in order to achieve a more sustainable future. London alone uses more energy than Ireland.  With a population estimated to increase by the size of Leeds by 2016 the challenge to reduce carbon dioxide emissions will get bigger.  Given the amount of energy consumed within London, it is vital that the capital makes a valuable contribution to the achievement of the UK renewable energy targets.

Laying solar panels (image courtesy of Solarcentury)

'London Renewables' includes the Government Office for London, Greater London Authority, London Development Agency, Association of London Government, EDF Energy, London First, Imperial College London, London Sustainability Exchange, Renewable Power Association, Solarcentury, Creative Environmental Networks and the London Environment Coordinators Forum. It will operate as a sub-group of the Mayor's London Energy Partnership to deliver its future work.

More information

More information can be found at http://www.go-london.gov.uk/sustainable_development/renewable_energy.asp 

For more information contact Belinda Davis 020 7217 3053