london,
16
September
2020
|
14:36
Europe/London

City says: we back cycling and renewable energy to tackle climate change

A survey carried out by the City’s governing body has revealed that Square Mile workers, visitors and residents think that cycling and renewable energy are the most effective ways for the City of London Corporation to tackle climate change.

Over 2,600 people responded to the City Corporation’s online survey which asked for their views on climate change.

  • After being asked to select up to three changes that they would welcome, 59% backed better cycling provisions and renewable energy, with 53% choosing more green roofs and walls.
  • When asked what personal actions they would prioritise, 54% said they should reduce their own household waste, 49% said they would change the way they travel, and 45% said they should recycle more.*
  •  

The results showed a huge desire for green environmental measures, with 95% saying combating climate change was important (77% extremely important; 13% moderately important; 5%slightly important).

People aged 25-34 were keenest to make change.

44% of respondents were City workers, 20% were visitors and 16% residents.

The survey was launched as part of the City of London Corporation’s plans to launch a Climate Action Strategy next month which will outline what the organisation will do ensure the Square Mile - and the sites run by the City Corporation itself - become net-zero emission and climate resilient in the future.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said:

“It is clear that tackling the global climate crisis is a top priority for many City workers, residents and visitors, and we share their desire for change.

“Together we will build a greener City, where we can all play our part.

“These results will be built in to our Climate Action Strategy, which will reduce the City’s carbon emissions and ensure we are resilient to climate change.”

In 2007 the City of London Corporation became the first governing body in the UK to produce a dedicated Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.

The organisation has already taken several actions to reduce its carbon footprint, including offsetting carbon emissions from business travel flights, protecting and conserving 11,000 acres of green space in London and south east England, and running on 100% renewable electricity since October 2018.

In recent years the City Corporation has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure and introduced a City-wide speed limit of 20mph; the UK’s first 24/7 zero-emission vehicle street at Beech Street and the ‘All Change at Bank’ scheme which has transformed a former accident hotspot.

Its Transport Strategy will boost the number of people cycling in the Square Mile by making City streets safer and more pleasant. As part of the plan, the existing network of cycle routes - which have helped to quadruple cycling levels since 1999 – will be expanded, more cycle parking will be introduced alongside new dockless cycle hire – and a new 15mph speed limit could be rolled out.

The City Corporation’s COVID-19 transport recovery programme is also creating more space for social distancing and ensuring the safety of people walking and cycling. The programme will provide an additional 700 cycle parking spaces on-street and in City Corporation car parks.

ENDS

*three options could be selected from this question

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

The City of London Corporation has a strong commitment to improving air quality in the Square Mile and wider London and to reducing public exposure to air pollution. Air quality in the City of London is now improving. The City Corporation’s launched its revised Air Quality Strategy in late 2019. Aside from outlining how the City Corporation will carry out its statutory duty to improve air quality, one of the main aims of the strategy is for 90% of the City to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for nitrogen dioxide by 2025.

The governing body has banned new diesel vehicles from its own fleet and is leading a London-wide crackdown on idling engines. The City Corporation’s CityAir app gives over 30,000 Londoners low pollution travel routes, advice and alerts. It is leading on an Emissions Reduction Bill to give London’s local authorities tough new powers to tackle air pollution caused by boilers, construction machinery and diesel generators.

Media enquires

Kristina Drake

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

07710 860884