5 March 2008
City of London wins Beacon Status for tackling climate
change
The City of London Corporation has been awarded the coveted
‘Beacon Status’ for its pioneering efforts to addressing the
effects of climate change in the Square Mile.
The awards were announced by the Communities and Local
Government Minister, Parmit Dhanda, at an Oscar-style ceremony at
the Royal Horticultural Halls in London last night.
The Beacon awards recognise excellence and innovation in local
government across 10 themes, which are identified as key to
improving quality of life for local communities. The judges
recognised the City of London’s success in managing its energy use,
reducing CO2 emissions by 35% over the last 10 years and addressing
climate change as a priority within its Community Strategy.
The City of London is the first local authority in the UK to
commission a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to help prepare the
Square Mile for the likely effects of climate change, which have
been found to include flood risks, water resources and
pollution.
After the awards ceremony, Marianne Hood, chair of the Beacons
Panel, said: “Achieving Beacon status means that the City of London
will receive recognition from central Government and other
authorities for its expertise in addressing the impact of climate
change on its local community. I look forward to working in this
field with the Corporation over the coming year.”
Simon Mills, Environmental Co-ordinator at the City of London,
says: “My team and I are delighted with this award, which not only
validates our hard work in addressing the issue of climate change,
but also the contribution made by our partner organisations, who
had the foresight to work with us before the term ‘climate change’
became common currency.”
Michael Snyder, Policy Chairman at the City of London, says:
“Climate change has the potential to pose a real threat to the
environment and quality of life of the 340,000 business workers and
9,000 residents in the City of London. This award, which showcases
excellence in local government, is a fantastic achievement and
illustrates our commitment to tackling these vital issues.”
Ends
Notes for Editors:
The City of London provides local government services for the
Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of Britain, and is
committed to maintaining and enhancing the status of the business
City as the world's leading international financial and business
centre through its policies and services. Its responsibilities also
extend far beyond the City boundaries and include management of the
Guildhall Art Gallery, Barbican Centre, Central Criminal Court at
the Old Bailey, 10,700 acres of open space including Hampstead
Heath and Epping Forest, three wholesale food markets, as well as
acting as the London Port Health Authority.
For more information:
Andrew Buckingham, Press Officer, City of London: 020 7332 1452,
07795 333060 or email
andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk