Policy Chair of the City of London, Catherine McGuinness, will give a speech at the City Property Association (CPA) Green Finance Seminar this morning (21 February).

Addressing an audience of London’s leading property industry experts, she will outline the ways in which the City of London Corporation ensures sustainability in the Square Mile through eco-friendly development, bold transport initiatives and Green Finance. The Policy Chair’s speech will be followed by an expert panel discussion on the impact Green Finance will have on the property sector.

An extract from the Policy Chair’s speech is found below. Please check against delivery.

“Here in the City, we have a new Transport Strategy which commits us to reducing the negative impacts of motor vehicles and supports the transition to a walking city. This includes the UK’s first 24/7 zero emission street at Beech Street this spring, with support from the Mayor of London.

“When it comes to buildings, our Local Plan sets out an aspiration for all new buildings in the City to have net zero emissions. In recent weeks, our Planning and Transportation Committee approved plans for what will be the greenest building in the capital, with the largest green plant wall in Europe, at Holborn Viaduct.

“We are also moving towards a zero-emission vehicle fleet, replacing many of our vehicles with electric and hybrid models – and we are encouraging our supply chains to do the same.

“We have also drafted the Emissions Reduction (Local Authorities in London) Bill, which recently had its first reading in the House of Lords, with the aim of giving the City Corporation and London borough councils powers to control emissions.

“Last year, we worked with the Treasury to launch the Green Finance Institute. As the leading forum for public and private sector collaboration in green finance, it is uniquely placed to accelerate the domestic and global transition to a zero-carbon and climate-resilient economy by mobilising capital.

“It is focusing on financial solutions in three areas - overseas and sustainable commodity production across supply chains, resilient infrastructure in the UK, and the energy efficiency of UK buildings.”

-ENDS-

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