24 October 2024: Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) launched its new Net Zero Carbon Strategy and Action Plan last night at The British Academy, supported by leading resource management company Veolia and Westminster City Council.

The West End has some of the highest carbon emissions and worst air pollution in London, with commercial buildings accounting for 76% of the area’s CO2 emissions and road transport as the second-largest contributor to emissions.

The new action plan, peer-reviewed by Dr Rosa Schiano-Phan, Assistant Professor in Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Westminster focuses on four key areas where business activity contributes most to carbon equivalent emissions in London’s West End. These are Buildings; Transport; Waste and Supply Chain.

Ros Morgan, Chief Executive, HOLBA said: “Many businesses in the West End are committed to reducing their impact on the environment but there are many more that need help and support. Our new strategy and action plan will help to provide this support regardless of where businesses are on their journey to net zero carbon.

“We need to work collaboratively to reduce the high carbon emissions we have in the West End. Key ways we will do this include advocating for investment, providing help to decarbonise business operations, adopt new technologies and retrofit buildings. We will be a source of guidance and support, and leverage partnerships to accelerate delivery.”

The action plan sets out how to access expert advice and funding that will give businesses tailored guidance to reach their carbon reduction targets and reduce overall climate impact. Developed with small, medium and large businesses in mind, from office occupiers to retailers and theatre operators, the plan outlines how to receive:

• Support with accessing grant funding
• Energy assessments to reduce business costs and carbon emissions
• Member discounts on core services
• Practical information on entering the circular economy
• Expert and tailored expert advice on how to reach carbon reduction targets

HOLBA members can access the strategy, action plan and other resources available to assist them on the road to net zero carbon via HOLBA’s new Sustainability Hub.