Mayor of London Ken Livingstone today published the latest version of his London Plan which incorporates challenging new targets designed to combat climate change. It marks a milestone in London"e;s development as one of the world"e;s most successful and sustainable cities and confirms its position as a global leader in environmental planning.
The Mayor has introduced a package of new planning policies which set radical objectives and targets for planners and developers. All new buildings will have to be as energy efficient as possible and invest in, or link to, new decentralised energy systems. The new policies then require developments to reduce their remaining carbon emissions by 20 per cent through the onsite generation of renewable energy.
Last summer, the alterations proposed by the Mayor were strongly supported by an independently appointed panel of inspectors, which took evidence, in public, from a wide range of organisations, including developers, environmentalists and representatives of local government. The Panel"e;s report applauded the Mayor"e;s "e;commitment and leadership"e; in tackling climate change, and fully endorsed the proposed changes to the London Plan.
The London Plan together with the early and further alterations is now more accessible online with a new dedicated website, www.london.gov.uk/thelondonplan/. The website will make it easier for web users to access the plan and its supporting documents, to navigate around the plan and to find out about new events.
The Mayor said:
‘The London Plan is the most important mechanism I have to help reduce London"e;s carbon footprint and address the potential consequences of catastrophic climate change. That is why we must set the toughest targets to reduce our CO2 emissions on new development. This is an important step towards our zero carbon goal, and one that developers can, and must, step up to deliver. There is broad and strong support for the London Plan"e;s new energy policies and developers, architects and engineers are already making proposals that not only meet the current targets but often exceed them. That is how I know that the new London Plan targets are achievable as well as essential. London has consistently offered a global lead on climate change and, once again, we are at the forefront of innovation."e;
Deputy Mayor of London Nicky Gavron said:
‘'These new cutting edge policies will help London catalyse markets for decentralised energy and renewables. Many major refurbishments of public and commercial buildings will also be affected by these new policies, which will reduce still further the environmental impact of London's buildings and support the aims and targets of the Mayor's Climate Change Action Plan.'"e;
|
If you like this article and want to share it with friends, please use the social links below:
|
|
Back