The City of London Corporation was hailed as an ‘A-List climate action leader’ by a global environmental charity
The City of London has been recognized by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a leading environmental non-profit, for its exceptional climate action efforts, earning a high rating. The City of London Corporation, its governing body, initiated an ambitious Climate Action Strategy earlier this year, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions in its operations by 2027. Furthermore, it plans to achieve net-zero in its investments and supply chain by 2040 and supports the entire Square Mile in reaching this goal by the same year, incorporating climate resilience into the area’s buildings, public spaces, and infrastructure.
The Corporation has already reduced its annual carbon emissions by 31% and energy use by 21% from 2018/2019 to 2021/2022, and has been using 100% renewable electricity since 2018. Updated figures for the financial year 2022/23 will be released soon.
A £40 million Power Purchase Agreement with Voltalia, an international energy provider, allows the City Corporation to buy all electricity from a solar farm in Dorset. This solar farm supplies over half of the Corporation’s electricity needs, powering various facilities including the Barbican Centre and the Old Bailey.
The City Corporation has integrated climate resilience into all its operations, with initiatives like the ‘Cool Streets and Greening’ programme, managing over 11,000 acres of green space around London, operating a zero-emission fleet of refuse vehicles, introducing new carbon guidelines for developers, and planning for sea level rise along the Thames.
The CDP has commended the City of London as a leader among 119 global cities in environmental action and transparency, placing it in the top 13% of assessed cities in 2023. This recognition classifies the Square Mile as an ‘A-List City’, undertaking significantly more climate mitigation and adaptation measures than others.
Chris Hayward, the Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, expressed gratitude for the CDP’s acknowledgment, reaffirming the City’s commitment to leading in strategic and local climate initiatives.
