City firms recognised for climate action at Clean City Awards

Businesses across the Square Mile have been recognised for cutting carbon emissions and reducing waste at the 2026 Clean City Awards, as the City of London Corporation continues to push towards its net zero targets.

Now in its 32nd consecutive year, the awards celebrate organisations demonstrating measurable progress in sustainability and environmental performance across the City’s commercial landscape.

This year’s winners reflect a range of approaches to climate action and resource efficiency.

Nomura International plc received the Air Quality and Climate Action award for transforming its roof into a bio-solar green space designed to support biodiversity, improve air quality and regulate building temperatures.

2 London Wall Place was recognised for Communications and Engagement after driving building-wide participation in sustainability initiatives, increasing recycling rates to 70% and reducing energy consumption.

Apex Hotels won in the Becoming a Plastic-free City category for removing single-use plastic amenities across guest rooms and food and beverage operations.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP was honoured for progress towards a circular economy, embedding reuse into everyday operations and reducing waste through changes including eliminating coffee pods and expanding textiles recycling.

Travers Smith LLP received the Chairman’s Cup for integrating environmental responsibility into procurement, including sourcing local produce and supporting biodiversity projects.

Peter Dunphy, Chair of the City Corporation’s Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, said judges were impressed by “practical action and innovation delivering meaningful environmental results”.

“These businesses are driving real progress across the Square Mile and supporting our shared ambition for a cleaner, more sustainable City,” he said.

The awards align with the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, which commits the organisation to achieving net zero carbon emissions in its own operations by 2027 and across its full value chain by 2040. The wider Square Mile target is also set for 2040, a decade ahead of national goals.

The latest progress report shows carbon emissions across the Square Mile fell by 24% between 2017 and 2022. Net emissions linked to the Corporation’s operations and supply chain have reduced by 28% since 2018.

The City has also been named an A-List climate action leader for the third consecutive year by the Carbon Disclosure Project.

Since 2018, the Corporation has purchased 100% renewable electricity. More than half has been sourced since 2021 through a power purchase agreement with a Dorset solar farm, which supplies electricity to landmarks including Tower Bridge and the Barbican Centre.

In the past year, 132 solar panels were installed at The London Archives, generating 10% of the building’s annual electricity needs.

The Corporation’s 11,000 acres of open spaces, including Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath, remove an estimated 16,230 tonnes of carbon annually.

Follow EyeOnLondon City for independent reporting on sustainability, policy and business across the Square Mile.

[Image Credit | City of London Corporation]

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