8 June 2007
City of London leads on climate change commitment
The City of London Corporation, which provides local government
services for the Square Mile, has today (8 June) signed the
Nottingham Declaration as a mark of its support of the Government’s
leadership of efforts to tackle Climate Change at the G8
Summit.
The Nottingham Declaration is a voluntary commitment for local
authorities to address the issues of climate change.
Michael Snyder, Chairman of the City of London’s Policy and
Resources Committee, said: “It is the City’s flexibility and
ability to respond to new challenges such as climate change that
has contributed to London’s status as the world’s leading
international financial and business centre.”
The City has been at the forefront of the fight against Climate
Change for over a decade.
- The City of London was the first UK Local Authority to develop
a dedicated Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Other world cities,
including Moscow and New York, are now following its lead.
- The City Corporation conducted the research that led to the
establishment of the emissions trading market in the City.
- In partnership with BP, Reuters and Zyen Consulting, the City
of London is leading the London Accord, which is the world’s
largest and most comprehensive investigation into the economics of
solutions to climate change.
- The City of London has been purchasing renewable energy since
the mid-1990’s. All public buildings and street lighting in the
Square Mile are powered by green electricity, and the City
Corporation has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 35% since
1997.
- The City has been offsetting the carbon from all international
travel by the Lord Mayor, elected Members and officers since
2001. This has led to investment in energy saving projects in
Mauritius and has provided fuel efficient stoves in South Africa.
The carbon footprint of the annual Lord Mayors Show has also been
offset for the last four years.
- The City of London has recently established the “City Climate
Pledge” which aims to encourage City firms to manage their Carbon
Footprints.
Ends
Notes to editors
The City of London provides local government services for the
Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of Britain, and is
committed to maintaining and enhancing the status of the business
City as the world's leading international financial and business
centre through its policies and services. Its responsibilities also
extend far beyond the City boundaries and include management of the
Barbican Centre, Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey, 10,000
acres of open space including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest,
three wholesale food markets, as well as acting as the London Port
Health Authority.
Press enquires to Michelle Poole at the City of London:
0207 332 3450