More renewable energy is being used in London but too much waste is going to landfill, causing harmful greenhouse gases, according to an environmental report by Ken Livingstone, the mayor of London.

The State of the Environment report is produced by the mayor every four years and offers a snapshot of environmental quality.

It shows that the amount of electricity generated by renewables has increased 27% since 2001 and that small-scale photovoltaic installations and landfill gas schemes have experienced substantial increases.

At the moment the mayor requires that new developments generate 10% of their energy needs from on site renewables. This is set to rise to 20% under alterations to the London Plan. The report allows the industry to see how successful this policy is.

The report also reveals that in 2005/06 about 64% of municipal waste was buried in landfill sites and 18% burned in incinerators, both of which have negative effects. Livingstone said: “London's environment is improving, but much more needs to be done.”

n The RIBA has called for the introduction of minimum space standards for all new homes in England and Wales.

The demand is part of the RIBA’s housing policy, launched this week. Jack Pringle, the president, said: “It’s a disgrace that the average new home is significantly smaller than in the 1920s.”

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