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An open letter from London's commercial landlords and tenants

London businesses can lead by example on climate change

3 July 2019, 10:30 UTC 2 min read

London’s commercial landlords and tenants can play a huge role in helping the UK become a net zero carbon economy and avoiding the disastrous consequences of global warming.

40% of this city’s greenhouse emissions come from business premises.  As the landlords and tenants of these properties, we have the potential to help London become a global beacon of climate action and clean growth.

In a recent survey by Big Clean Switch and edie, in association with The Climate Group landlords and businesses highlighted the challenges faced by both parties in aligning their ambitions on renewable energy. It’s a similar story for electric vehicle charging and LED lighting. We must do better in working together. It is in our joint interests to see lower energy costs and improved clean green offers for tenants.

A big step forward is landlords and tenants agreeing to the same ambitions on renewable electricity, electric vehicles / charging points and smart efficient energy. With shared ambition comes easier progress. That is why all of us have joined at least one of The Climate Group’s international RE100, EV100 and EP100 programmes, agreeing to set targets in these areas and reporting on progress.

So today, during the first London Climate Action Week (1-8 July):

  • We as London’s largest landlords and commercial tenants pledge to work together to achieve a cleaner, healthier London
  • We call upon all London’s big businesses to join RE100, EV100 and EP100 for cleaner, smarter energy and transport

List of signatories

  • John Garwood, Managing Director, Group Company Secretary and Chair of Canary Wharf Group Corporate Responsibility Group – Canary Wharf Group
  • Paul Williams, Chief Executive Officer - Derwent London Plc
  • Caroline Hill, Head of Sustainability, Public Affairs, Health, Safety and Security - Landsec
  • Tex Gunning, Chief Executive Officer – LeasePlan
  • Fiona Walmsley, Head of Property Services - RBS
  • Craig Huntbatch, UK Resident Director – Royal HaskoningDHV
  • Peter Harrison, Chief Executive Officer - Schroders
  • Joao Pola, Chief Executive Officer – Signify UK and Ireland
  • Danielle Lane, Managing Director – Vattenfall UK