London’s Financial Heart Cuts Carbon, But Per Capita Emissions Remain High
The City of London Corporation has delivered the largest carbon emissions reduction the UK has seen among local authorities, cutting its emissions within its scope of influence by 74 per cent between 2005 and 2023. Much of this progress came from a steep drop in commercial electricity use, supported by the wider shift towards renewable energy documented by the UK Government.
Despite the success, the City recorded the highest emissions per resident in 2023, a reflection of its busy commercial sector and relatively small residential population. Chris Hayward, policy chairman at the City of London Corporation, said the organisation was “proud to be playing our part in shaping a greener, healthier future for London and beyond”.
While emissions from transport fell by 59 per cent over the same period, new figures also showed a 16 per cent rise in overall emissions between 2022 and 2023, driven largely by landfill. Environmental campaigners argue that the next step is to tackle energy use in housing. Paul Lincoln, from the community-led project Imagine Golden Lane at Net Zero, said it was “important that it now focuses on emissions from its residential properties by improving insulation and double glazing across all of the estates it owns and manages”. Home energy efficiency improvements such as those outlined by Energy Saving Trust could be key to closing this gap.
Transport advocates also believe there is more to do. Izzy Romilly, sustainable transport manager at climate charity Possible, noted that 96 per cent of journeys in the Square Mile are already taken by public transport, walking or cycling, but added: “We’ve got to see councils across the UK going further and faster to unpick car dependency.”
For policymakers and businesses alike, the City’s performance illustrates how targeted action can make a difference. But it also underlines the scale of the challenge ahead if the UK is to meet its net zero goals.
For more updates on carbon emissions reduction UK and the policies shaping the City of London’s future, visit EyeOnLondon City and share your views in the comments below.
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