News: June 2009

 

25/06/2009

fleetnews.co.uk - Green fleets recognised

London taxi company Addison Lee and courier firm Courier Systems have received awards for reducing their fleets’ carbon emissions.

Addison Lee received the highest accolade, a Green500 Diamond Award for reducing emissions for every journey by over 17% since 2002.

Read the full article here


23/06/2009
UK is well placed to be at the forefront of a low carbon future

Green500 was showcased as one of the leading schemes in helping reduce carbon emissions in the capital at the The Prince's May Day Summit 2009 on the 1st May.   The event is the UK's largest gathering of businesses committed to taking action on climate change across the UK.  Events were held across the country, organised by the Business In The Community, with the main Hub event in London, seeing businesses putting forward pledges to reduce their environmental impact.

HRH Prince Charles speaking at the eventnull

Speakers included HRH The Prince of Wales, President of BITC, John Ashton - Special Representative for Climate Change, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and Sir Stuart Rose, Executive Chairman, Marks and Spencer and Chairman, BITC.

Attended by representatives of UK businesses estimated to employ between 3-4 million people, the aim of the event was to send out a strong message to businesses across the country that they have the leveraging capacity to take action now, to lead by example and influence their employees and the government alike to take action in addressing and tackling the very real climate crisis.  A clear message raised was also the opportunity for businesses to take advantage of the real financial savings from cutting C02 emissions, helping to create a strong position in the current economic climate.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson with Paul Buchannan, Director BITC Londonnull

The urgency of a call to action was voiced through live link up to Pen Hadow, arctic explorer and leader of the Catlin Arctic Survey survey team, currently measuring the impact of climate change on the ice caps.

In his keynote speech, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, confirmed that the UK is well placed to be at the forefront of a low carbon future, marking a world first with legally-binding 'carbon budgets' indicating that it is leading the way with pioneering techniques which include carbon capture and storage. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, pledged that £3 million will be spent on 10 flagship, Low Carbon Zones in a move that will create jobs and slash energy bills in the capital.

In his address, Sir Stuart Rose, CEO of Green500 member Marks and Spencer plc commented on how greener practices can be profitable. 'Though the recession will end, climate change will not stop'.

Before bringing the event to a close, HRH The Prince of Wales accompanied the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, visiting and speaking with all market stall holders, including the Green500 and member Boots plc.

Speaking post-event, Dr Stuart Ballinger, Green500 Programme Manager said:  "The high profile nature of the participants at this event really demonstrates the significance of the issue at hand.  Climate change won't go away and we need to work together through schemes like Green500 to share best practice and to start to realise some of the significant benefits on offer from cutting our CO2 emissions. In the current climate it just represents good business sense"

 Green500 team meet HRH Prince Charlesnull

For more information on the work of Business In The Community, visit the BITC website here

 

22/06/2009
A new website for London’s leading commercial property owners and allied organisations was launched by the Better Buildings Partnership (BBP).

The Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) aim is to develop solutions to improve the sustainability of London’s existing commercial building stock and achieve substantial CO2 savings in support of the Mayor’s target of 60 per cent by 2025.

Companies participating include British Land Company, Grosvenor, Hammerson, Hermes, Land Securities, Transport for London and the LDA, Legal and General, Canary Wharf, Quintain, GE Real Estate and Workspace Group.

Visit the Better Buildings Partnership here



12/06/2009
Journalism.co.uk, 12 June 2009 - Green Living: How NatMags is reducing its carbon footprint

This week's London Underground strike won't stop the Natmags green team getting to Chelsea Football Club tonight for the London Green500 Awards, where they hope to pick up the top prize for sustainable office practice.

The publisher, which recently came second in the Sunday Times' UK's Greenest Companies list, is already encouraging its staff to walk more by removing waste paper bins from desks and with plans to restrict use of two of its three office lifts. The purpose, says Kitty Corrigan, deputy editor for Country Living, is to encourage staff to reduce their carbon footprint.

Read the full article here



12/06/2009
This is London.co.uk, 12 June 2009 - Chelsea named greenest football club, despite players' high carbon emissions

The players generate thousands of tonnes in carbon emissions a year driving their sports cars and 4x4s. But Chelsea Football Club was today named one of the most environmentally friendly organisations in London.

The club was honoured in Boris Johnson's "green awards" for encouraging supporters - some 42,000 at every home game - to use public transport to get to Stamford Bridge. There was also praise for a car-sharing scheme among fans, and a web campaign urging supporters to be energy-efficient.

Read the full article here

 

09/06/2009
EnviroNet Business Club Signposts Deals for London Thames Gateway Firms

London Thames Gateway inward investment agency Gateway to London is unveiling its EnviroNet business club for the first time at Futuresource 2009. Gateway to London is inviting delegates to join the pilot of its new, free, cleantech network and benefit from London Thames Gateway’s exclusive networking and supply chain opportunities. Backed up by Gateway to London’s insight and regional knowledge, EnviroNet will also provide local environmental technology firms with a collective voice that could leverage wider networks and support.

EnviroNet will bring together technology firms, investors, inventors, academics, policy-makers, consultancies, corporates and professional services firms to access business opportunities. The EnviroNet website  is to be the main hub of EnviroNet, comprising: advice on public sector funding and incentives, forums, networking opportunities, news, research and statistics.

Industry heavy weights have already expressed their support for the club, having been consulted in the planning process.

Peter Jones OBE of the London Waste & Recycling Board commented: “Time is short to achieve the environmental industrial revolution we need in the next two decades. There is a tremendous opportunity for the UK to position its expertise to supply the resultant global market but that will only be achieved through information, collaboration, and effective policy implementation between community, business and legislators.

He continued: “The London Thames Gateway EnviroNet initiative is truly deserving of support. It is an excellent example of this process in action and it will undoubtedly deliver in the form of accelerated implementation, innovation and community buy-in over the coming years.”
Gateway to London provides investors in London Thames Gateway with everything they need to maximise opportunities and benefit from the energy and momentum of this unique area. It helps all kinds of businesses to make the most of those opportunities right now, whether they are from outside the area, or already in the area and wanting to grow.  

For further information about EnviroNet please contact Gateway to London on Tel: 020 7540 5560 or send an Email.