London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has announced a £34 million injection into the city's green ambitions, supporting three key projects through the Green Finance Fund (GFF).
The London Fire Brigade (LFB), Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, and Barnet Council will benefit from this funding to advance their decarbonization efforts.
The LFB will receive a £22.4 million loan from the GFF to modernize the electrical infrastructure of 55 fire stations across London. This initiative aims to facilitate the transition to an electric vehicle fleet, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and paving the way for sustainable energy practices.
Additionally, the historic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre will undergo extensive redevelopment with a £10 million investment in energy networks and efficiency measures. These upgrades, including enhanced insulation and LED lighting, are expected to slash carbon emissions by over 90%. Furthermore, the installation of an air source heat pump network will enable the site to become all-electric, eliminating fossil fuel dependency for the first time in its 60-year history.
Barnet Council will receive a £2 million loan to support its ambitious £12 million corporate estate retrofit program, targeting 1,000 buildings, including 150 schools. This initiative is part of the council's commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 for the council and 2042 for the borough.
Mayor Khan expressed his commitment to London's net-zero goals and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving them. He highlighted the significant carbon savings achievable through investment in energy-efficient projects and commended the success of green finance programs in mobilizing funds for decarbonization initiatives.
The Mayor's announcement signals a significant step forward in London's journey towards a cleaner, greener future, supporting sustainable development and climate action across the city. Photo by Frankie Roberto from Manchester, UK, Wikimedia commons.