New study shows Mayor's energy policies are 'highly successful'
25-9-2007
Greater London Authority press release

The Mayor of London Ken Livingstone's energy policies will help to save over 135,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year according to a new report published today.

The Mayor of London Ken Livingstone’s energy policies will help to save over 135,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year according to a new report published today. The independent study by London South Bank University for the Greater London Authority looked at reductions in energy use and carbon savings resulting from the application of London Plan energy policies to developments referred to the Mayor and concluded that “In general, the Mayor’s policies have been highly successful in reducing expected energy consumption and CO2 emissions in new developments representing around a 26% saving of CO2.”

The study shows that more than three quarters of carbon savings come from energy efficiency measures, and that the target for ten percent of further CO2 savings from on-site renewables was met on average by late 2005. The authors note that carbon savings have increased over time, and that both developers and the Greater London Authority planning team have climbed a steep learning curve and are now more aware of how to address energy issues through the planning process.

The report coincides with the publication of the Mayor’s draft Housing Strategy last week, which sets out the Mayor’s plans to deliver 30,500 homes a year and 50,000 affordable homes over the next three years. Accordingly, as the number of homes built increases, the strategy contains specific policies to continue tackling climate change with a firm Mayoral commitment that the £1 billion regional housing budget for London will only be invested in new homes that meet high standards of environmental performance.

The Mayor said:

‘This study shows that the development industry in London has made a dramatic change in its approach to energy and climate change over the last four years. It also shows the value of setting tough policy to drive innovation and the adoption of energy efficient building design, efficient energy supply and renewable energy technologies. As the evidence of accelerating climate change continues to build, I look forward to working with London's construction and development communities to meet my targets for building new low carbon homes.’

Douglas Parr, Policy Director Greenpeace said: ‘London has shown that strong local policies can make developers and builders actually change the way they work to reduce carbon emissions. They need to be made standard across the country whilst progressive authorities and the Greater London Authority can continue to drive standards towards zero-carbon building.’

To download a copy of the report visit http://www.london.gov.uk/gla/publications/planning.jsp