Mayor of London Launches New 'Green' Strategy for the Capital

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has today launched a new strategy for the UK's Capital, aimed at better preparing the city and its people for the challenges of climate change. The strategy is claimed as a first for a world city.

Measures outlined in the strategy include measures to 'green' London; including the use and design of green spaces, green roofs and tree-planting to reduce water run-off and flooding, and greater preparedness for extreme weather events expected under climate change, specifically flooding, drought and heatwaves. There are plans to increase public awareness of flood risk in the capital, alongside a promotion, and compulsory introduction, of water metering to reduce water consumption.

Launching the strategy, the Mayor commented: "the range of weather conditions facing London...could seriously threaten our quality of life...and endanger our pre-eminence as one of the world's leading cities". The Mayor's manifesto included an ambitious target to cut London's carbon emissions by 60% by 2025.

Organisations are invited to comment on the first draft of the strategy. As a result of these comments, a second draft will be published for public consultation in 2009.

Access the Mayor's website with official press release and the draft strategy

Recycling "as complicated as Sudoku"

Researchers at the University of Sussex have concluded that recycling household waste is a complicated as completing a Sudoku puzzle. 

The scientists conducted a study into the effort and complexity of recycling; monitoring participants' brainwaves as they sorted their waste into various categories. Dr David Lewis, who ran the study, commented that "The whole process is so confusing that even hardened and dedicated recyclers still get it wrong."

The number of British people who recycle their waste has tripled in the past two years. More people would be willing to recycle, research suggests, if it was made easier, an incentive was offered, and manufacturers were more responsible with packaging.

At the BES we are committed to 'greening' our activities; including comprehensive recycling throughout our offices, composting our organic waste on-site and measures to improve the energy and water efficiency of our buildings. 

We are also trying to ensure that delegates travel as sustainably as possible to our forthcoming Annual Meeting. To find out about opportunities for car sharing, visit our Facebook group (log-in required).