More renewable energy is being used in the capital, but too much waste is being sent to landfill according to the latest ‘State of the Environment’ report published by London Mayor, Ken Livingstone.

The statutory ‘State of the Environment’ report is produced by the Mayor every four years and offers a snapshot of the capital’s environmental quality.

Planning applications referable to the Mayor are required to incorporate renewable energy technologies and renewable generation capacity has started to become significant as the impact of London Plan policies start to feed through, the report says. An independent study by London South Bank University has concluded that ‘a significant number of developments show 10% renewables contribution and above is readily achievable’ and that ‘25% of developments exceed 10% renewable energy contribution and 8% of developments exceed 20% renewable energy contribution. The 10% renewable target was met on average by late 2005’.

The report also shows air quality is improving with concentrations of key pollutants falling in the last ten years – nitrogen dioxide fell by 13% and particulates (PM10) fell by 24%.

Household recycling has increased, and now over 90% of London households either receive a recycling collection at home or have access to nearby facilities. However, the report shows that much work remains to be done, specifically a reduction in the amount of waste going to landfill, an increase in the amount of waste recycled, reducing water consumption and leakage and continued improvement of air quality.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: “London’s environment is improving however much more needs to be done”.

Source

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