Comment on London Climate Action Week (24 June to 2 July)

gray curtain building during daytime — Picture credit: Alev Takil.

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In advance of London Climate Action Week (LCAW), Paul Wrighton, Director of Sustainable Infrastructure for the UK and Ireland at Johnson Controls, says harnessing the diversity of the capital’s buildings, technology, financing and upskilling local communities are key to the Mayor’s ambitious targets.

London Climate Action Week is harnessing the power of London for global climate action. The annual event brings together the city’s world-leading array of climate professionals and communities. Now in its fifth year, LCAW creates space for participants to come together and find global solutions to climate change.

With buildings responsible for 76% of the capital’s greenhouse gases, prioritising energy efficiency in London’s built environment represents the biggest, quickest climate win. 80% of buildings which will be occupied in 2050 already exist, and they are currently wasting 30% of the energy they consume. When we decarbonise and retrofit existing building stock, we can initiate energy savings that will last another thirty years or more.

Creating a net zero capital city is no easy task – but is within reach.

Creating a net zero capital city is no easy task – but is within reach. By embracing the diversity of London’s buildings, the sustainable technology available, innovative financing structures, and opportunities to upskill local communities, we can make real progress towards the mayor’s ambitious targets.

Buildings can be our quickest, biggest sustainability win

Buildings can be our quickest, biggest sustainability win. We need to maintain our focus, avail ourselves of all our resources, and empower everyone who has a stake in a net zero future to play their part to get there.

With this in mind, London Climate Action Week celebrates unique opportunities to lead with fair, inclusive, and just climate action, and encourages collaboration between all parties to drive sustainable change.

We already have the technology – we now need the commitment, support, innovative financing structures, and skilled workers to put this into practice.