Abbey becomes latest signatory to council’s Sustainable City Charter
Westminster Abbey is the latest organisation to join Westminster City Council’s Sustainable City Charter. The Charter aims to reduce carbon emissions in the capital, from Westminster’s commercial and public buildings, theatres, restaurants, shops, universities and hotels. It is estimated these premises are responsible for nearly 60% of the borough’s total carbon emissions.
The Abbey has made several key commitments in signing up, including reaching net zero by 2040. Its commitments form part of its own detailed carbon reduction plan –as it works to achieve carbon neutrality, implementing a variety of energy efficiency measures. These include fitting low-energy LED lighting and smart building management and heating systems across the estate whilst the clergy residences on site will undergo air tightness testing and retrofit improvements to improve their energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
It is also hoping to connect to the South Westminster Area Network (SWAN) – a major net zero heat network infrastructure project that will fulfil their heating needs. Development is underway with Westminster City Council and London Head Quarters working to implement the network with an expected connection date around 2034.
The Charter has now been signed by over 80 Westminster based organisations, ranging from renowned institutions such as the National Gallery to small independent companies. Totalled up, Charter signatories occupy almost 40 million sq ft, representing c. a fifth (19%) of Westminster’s total commercial floorspace.
The Charter was launched as a joint initiative between the Council and Westminster Property Association in November 2022, as part of the City Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. It is central to the Council’s goal to be a net-zero city by 2040. The Charter sets out guidance for businesses and property owners in the borough to reduce operational carbon across their premises, including measures to reduce energy consumption and waste, enable sustainable forms of travel, ensure greener deliveries through the use of local suppliers and shared collection points and adopt ‘green leases’ that mandate data-sharing on energy performance.
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