‘London Plan & Env. Strategy Consultation’ 27th June 2017

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The aims of this event

Explore robust solutions for tackling sustainability issues through policies,

technology, behaviour change, data-sharing and community empowerment.

Develop new ideas and solid actions to tackle sustainability issues.

Connect policy makers and other community groups.

Contribute to shaping the vision for the future of London.

Prepare for a consultation response to the London Environmental Strategy

and the London Plan

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Introduction to the evening and the importance of

the delegates having their say.

Delegates have the opportunity to ask questions to

the speakers and to each other, etc.

Identify important responses by the delegates,

actions going forward and next steps and define

who needs to be involved

Each representative has the opportunity to expand

on what will be talked about in their workshop.

About the Sessions and Challenges – Contributions from,

SGN, Thames Water and UKPN about the challenges to our

infrastructure

Introduction by Leonie Cooper AM

Round up and Response – Leonie Cooper AM

Delegates attended two workshops

Event Agenda

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Fuel Poverty & How to Better Engage Robbie Stevenson, SGN

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What are the challenges of fuel poverty

There are approximately 2.4 million fuel poor homes

in England.

Almost a fifth of which are not connected to the

mains gas distribution network.

Within London there are 350,000 properties housing

over 1 million people living in fuel poverty.

Robbie Stevenson

SGN

Fuel Poverty & How to Better Engage Robbie Stevenson, SGN

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Future Steps

We believe our network will continue to have an important role in the UK’s future energy

mix, which is why we are investing in initiatives that seek to reduce costs and decarbonise

gas supplies.

Invest in non-conventional gas sources, such as hydrogen .

Continue to highlight case studies to share experience, insight and development of fuel

poverty projects.

Support targeted energy outreach through well-placed community organisations and

individuals, regional development of a ‘Big Energy Saving Network’ mechanism to

support vulnerable people.

Community Energy – Saving & Generating Lynne McDonald, UKPN

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Increasing demand for energy

Energy consumption is strongly linked with economic

growth and as the economy in London grows so does

the energy demand.

The highest levels of energy consumption are where

large concentrations of population and businesses are;

mainly in central London.

Some developments in London have a maximum

demand equivalent to a town with a population of

around 50,000.

“We need to do this transformation [to a low

carbon economy] through collaboration” -

Lynne McDonald, UK Power Networks

Community Energy – Saving & Generating Lynne McDonald, UKPN

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Future Steps

In the future, everyone will have the opportunity to be both a producer and a consumer of

energy. Wind turbines, solar panels, smart meters and even consumers trading electricity

with each other will all be within the reach of customers.

Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) will no longer just be responsible for the one-way

street of delivering electricity. Instead, they will become Distribution Systems Operators

(DSOs), managing much more complex systems of supply with many points of distribution and

consumption.

Our priorities are:

The facilitation of cheaper and quicker connections through proven innovation

Use customer flexibility and smarter demand management as an alternative to network

upgrades

Working in partnership with National Grid to maximise capacity for connections customers

Continue to simulate the uptake of Electric Vehicles: new registrations of EV have

increased by more than 30% every year since 2011, and high growth must be sustained if

all new cars are to be fossil fuel free by 2040.

Water – Too much or too little Alex Nickson, Thames Water

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Challenges

There are a number of challenges that will need to be

addressed in managing water in the future, including:

London’s population is growing by up to 100,000

people a year and may rise to 12 million by 2050.

A continuing decline in manufacturing, offset by

growth in the services sector.

Climate change is predicted to affect the seasonality

of rainfall, with drier summers, wetter winters and

more frequent and intense rainfall events.

“We need a collaborative/

integrative approach to

water management – we

need to stop seeing fresh

water and waste water as

two separate things.”

Alex Nickson

Thames Water

London’s desalination plant

Water – Too much or too little Alex Nickson, Thames Water

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Future Steps

Thames Water is developing its long-term Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP)

which will set out how it will balance supply and demand for water over the long-term.

Options being considered include:

Reducing the demand for water by:

Replacing more water mains to reduce leakage.

Helping people use water wisely by installing smart meters and home water efficiency

retrofits.

Increasing the supply of water by:

Transfer of water from the Severn to the Thames

A new reservoir in Oxfordshire

Further desalination plant/s in London

A wastewater reuse plant in London

Taking more water from the Thames

Green Infrastructure

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Challenges

As a concept it is increasingly recognised and actively

used in London, supported by activities like the All

London Green Grid.

Green infrastructure can potentially address and

improve environmental and social issues, including:

Air pollution

Water drainage

Micro climate regulation

Wildlife habitats

Physical and mental health

Green Infrastructure

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Addressing future challenges

Knowledge and skills

Many of the skills for creating high-quality green infrastructure already exist within the

experience of planners, engineers and developers

The success of these projects may be critically complimented by knowledge and skills

from other disciplines and communities

Planning

Green infrastructure doesn’t always fit within technical or policy conventions of

infrastructure as a set of assets, facilities, systems, networks or processes and

operators

It requires a mandate that allows or encourages flexibility to implement a green

infrastructure approach within an already complex infrastructure system

Implementation / Development / Maintenance

Maintenance requires the nuanced capacity to observe and monitor at landscape scale

Effective management also requires the capacity to view green infrastructure as a

long-term investment, which may appreciate in economic value, measured against

societal and environmental benefit

Air Pollution

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Challenges

The EU standards of 40 µg/m³ annual mean

for PM10 particulate matter are double the

recommendations of the WHO.

Most of central London has high levels of

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), contributing to air

pollution.

The new fleet of hybrid buses have had a

series of battery problems and failures, with up

to 90% reportedly running entirely on diesel.

(BBC News, 20/7/2015)

In 2014 7,707 buses out of 8,977 were diesel.

(GLA database)

The ruling of the Supreme Court in April 2015 forces the government to review their plans to

cut illegal levels of pollution by the end of the year

The decision by the Airports commission to allow the construction of a new runway at Heathrow

contradicts the ruling of the court.

Around 12,500 Londoners each year die prematurely from causes related to air pollution

Air Pollution

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Addressing challenges and recommendations

Dearman is developing technology specifically aimed at the provision of clean cold

and power, complementary to other clean power tech. Instead of batteries or fossil

fuels, the Dearman Engine uses liquid nitrogen to store energy, and this can also be

used for refrigeration. Although energy must be used to create the liquid nitrogen, a

large amount is also generated as a by-product in the manufacture of liquid oxygen.

Dearman are prioritising high-impact measures by targeting vehicles/equipment small

in number but with disproportionately high impact on air pollution, such as transport

refrigeration units. Sainsbury’s recently extended a trial of the Dearman engine for

refrigerated delivery. (Dearman.co.uk)

Dearman urge policymakers to re-consider the use of red diesel for equipment used in

urban areas. Red diesel can be used in agricultural, construction and off-road

equipment and benefits from reduced duty. Economically, this is a loss in revenue and

VAT to the UK government while constituting a significant barrier to clean technology

adoption. It also encourages the use of ‘dirtier’ construction/off-road equipment in

urban areas.

Workshops

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Fuel Poverty Workshop outcomes

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Key action points from the workshop Definition of “fuel poor” needs to be standardised across the UK in a way that takes into account

the realities of London boroughs and other regions. There must be clarity and parity.

A behaviour change team is needed to influence the attitudes and practices of people to

conserve energy, alongside energy efficient technology advancements/replacements.

LEAP needs to invest in research and testing of green gas alternatives such as bio methane,

and hydrogen blending capabilities of infrastructure.

Further steps

Train and promote fuel poverty champions within communities, working with organisations such

as EST and Eaga. This network of champions should be supported by City Hall.

Further engagement with customers to reduce fuel consumption through behavioural change

and simple practical steps ( e.g. draft excluders, efficient light bulbs, energy awareness).

Increase connections with communities that help to put more pressure on government to create

new legislations and rise support and funding to tackle fuel poverty.

Increase awareness and social action within young generation to take action on reducing fuel

poverty through projects in schools and the wider community.

Increase funding from the Mayor and DBEIS to projects that reduce fuel poverty. Incentivise

their growth and proliferation, for example with special awards from the NEA.

LEAP and LSDC must use policy to encourage development of non-conventional technologies.

Community Energy Workshop Outcomes

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1 Data from DBEIS. Not 100% of installations

of this size will be domestic, but as domestic

exports are not measured this is a good

alternative way to estimate production.

Key action points from the workshop

The way energy is delivered is changing with communities taking more control

Britain’s power sector is decarbonising

Householders are generating electricity through, for example, roof-mounted solar panels, and

selling unused excess electricity back to the grid. In June 2017, domestic size solar installations

(0-4kWp) made up 2443MW of the UK total of 12,316MW installed capacity, or 20%1. Energy

exports are assumed to be 50% of what is generated, suggesting that approximately 10% of

solar energy in the UK grid is bought from domestic producers. However, only 3.4% of UK

electricity came from solar in 2016: there is significant room for expansion by domestic sellers.

Many boroughs lack resources for community energy, yet there Rural Community Energy Fund

and no urban equivalent.

Projects are usually funded for 1-2 years: a more long-term approach is needed.

Further steps

There is a need for an extensive community network that maximises the impact of lobbying,

bargaining and grant application.

There needs to be a holistic approach around strategies outlined by the GLA

Think about what is the best value for Londoners, both as customers and as communities.

Communities must be made aware of their rights and the resources available to them.

There should be greater promotion of schemes such as Licence Lite which remove obstacles for

small scale electricity suppliers and distributed energy generators.

Water Workshop Outcomes

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Key action points from the workshop

Tideway Project: Darren White – “A solution”

Everytime it rains, surge of rain : 89million cubic meters go into the Thames untreated

Current sewage system was built for population of 2 million people; London population is up to

9million.

The project is to connect outfalls by tunnels from West London to East (e.g., Greenwich,

Tower Hamlets)

Collects all water to Thames Water to get treated

Balancing Supply and Demand:

Need for integrated program for metering and reducing customer side leakage through

behavioural change/education at schools

Grey water needs to become economically viable option

Need for efficiency standard requirements/incentives (e.g., dual plumbing system)

Flood risk:

Need standards/requirements of permeable pavements and enforcement of these standards

Need for emphasis on Green Space Factor

Integrated water management:

Need for a system that includes both grey water and potable water

(Continued) Water Workshop Outcomes

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Further steps

Include a smart water meter in every house to control water use, encouraging people to use

less water

Diversion of rain water into groundwater

Segregate water households (drinking water, grey water, black water and rain water)

Increase water prices so people will be more conscious of the amount of water that they use

Education on water scarcity starting from school to help people connect with their

environment and ensure that future generations make better use of water.

Reward households that consume less water.

Use a sewage water meter and reward them for good use of water

Increase use of new technologies to clean water. For example “Blue green solutions” by

Imperial College.

Foment collection of rain water in every house

Green Infrastructure Workshop Outcomes

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Key action points from the workshop

Environmental Framework must be considered first, not last

Environmental Framework must integrate, rather than solve one problem at a time

Specific targets should be included in the documents i.e. trees

Underline and promote the idea that nature is useful and it can help us maintain our good

mental health

The metal health issue and connection of it with nature become more documented

In case of ‘green deserts’ we need to retain those areas not lose the – just change their function

Further steps

London Plan should include:

Set standard for new developments

Measure and document natural capital

This will provide useful financial language to put across multiple benefits

Hierarchy of open space is important to keep in the London Plan

Use evidence of nature helping in mental health

Local Plans need to:

set out ecological corridors

be consistent with NPPF

Air Pollution Workshop Outcomes

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Key action points from the workshop

We need to think about how we can incentivise people

Rationalizing delivery and waste collection:

Creating consolidation centres

Smaller vehicles for last mile distribution, larger for consolidation centres

The mayor should work with Town Centre Partnerships

Carrier taxes to every single delivery

It can fund consolidation centres and logistic centres

Creating transfer stations for waste collections

Encourage shops to collaborate to collect waste by the same provider at the same time

Transportation Solutions

Improving and creating Freight Quality Partnership

Targeting vehicles that have big impact on air pollution

Local Authority should encourage operators to change their units to that which will less

pollute the environment

Bring ‘0 emission’ technology into people’s lives

Increase awareness of ‘0 emission’ technology

Increase awareness of parents about air pollution and transportation

Create discussion about 20 mph limit

It is unhealthy to lower that

It is lowered by safety regulations

(Continued) Air Pollution Workshop Outcomes

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Healthy streets – zoning of different types of streets

Schools and Education

As Incorporate air pollution into curriculum of planning schools

Increase awareness of ‘zero emission’ technology

Increase awareness of parents about air pollution and transportation

Further steps

Creating Recycling Fund which can be spend on innovations on air quality

Combining AQ, noise and climate change together

Reconsider using Red Diesel in the City

Giving green light for ‘zero emission’ technology

Set pollution criteria and use the standard rates system, so that people who don’t fall off

pollution criteria are sent higher rates

Consolidation of deliveries, waste vehicles; Bringing back school busses

Creating a coherent strategy on EV, and regulations for non-road machines

Link to Mayor’s Transport Strategy

Get central government to devolve legal powers for GLA officers to regulate air pollution of non-

road vehicles and on construction site

Draft new Clean Air Act and apply the 1974 Control Pollution Act to construction sites

Response to the event

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97% of delegates

agreed that they found

this event informative

55% 42%

3%

StronglyAgree

Agree

Neither Agreenor Disagree

61% of delegates feel

better informed to take

action in their area

21%

40%

39%

StronglyAgree

Agree

NeitherAgree norDisagree

55%

42%

3%

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agreenor Disagree

97% of delegates agreed that this

was a good opportunity to meet

people and share information

79% of delegates developed a

“Key Ask” for the London Plan

79%

21%

Yes

No / Not Yet

“That the issue of climate

change be given the emphasis

and urgency it needs.”

“London Mayor to bring together

community groups into

empowering them by knowledge

sharing and councils to

incentivise sustainable practice

(i.e., permeable surface) by

local taxes.”

“Integrate holistic solutions -

e.g., Green Infrastructure can

benefit: biodiversity, water

quality & water management, air

quality; health and well-being;

urban coding. ”

Key asks:

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Review of Further Steps

Train and promote fuel poverty champions within communities, working with organisations such as EST and Eaga. This network of champions should be

supported by City Hall.

Further engagement with customers to reduce fuel consumption through behavioural change and simple practical steps ( e.g. draft excluders, efficient light

bulbs, energy awareness).

Increase connections with communities that help to put more pressure on government to create new legislations and rise support and funding to tackle fuel

poverty.

Increase awareness and social action within young generation to take action on reducing fuel poverty through projects in schools and the wider community.

Increase funding from the Mayor and DBEIS to projects that reduce fuel poverty. Incentivise their growth and proliferation, e.g. with awards from the NEA.

LEAP and LSDC must use policy to encourage development of non-conventional technologies.

There is a need for an extensive community network that maximises the impact of lobbying, bargaining and grant application.

There needs to be a holistic approach around strategies outlined by the GLA

Think about what is the best value for Londoners, both as customers and as communities.

Communities must be made aware of their rights and the resources available to them.

There should be greater promotion of schemes such as Licence Lite which remove obstacles for small scale electricity suppliers.

Include a smart water meter in every house to control water use, encouraging people to use less water

Diversion of rain water into groundwater , and foment collection of rain water in every house

Segregate households’ water (drinking water, grey water, black water and rain water)

Increase water prices so people will be more conscious of the amount of water that they use, and reward households that consume less.

Education on water scarcity starting from school to help people connect with the environment and ensure that future generations make better use of water.

Use a sewage water meter and reward them for good use of water

Increase use of new technologies to clean water. For example “Blue green solutions” by Imperial College.

London Plan should:

Set standards for new developments and clarify the hierarchy of Open Spaces

Measure and document natural capital, in order to provide useful financial language to communicate practical benefits

Use evidence of nature helping in mental health

Local Plans need to set out ecological corridors and be consistent with NPPF

Creating Recycling Fund which can be spent on innovations in on air quality

Combining air quality, noise and climate change

Reconsider using Red Diesel in the City

Giving green light for ‘zero emission’ technology

Set pollution criteria and use the standard rates system, so that people who don’t fall off pollution criteria are sent higher rates

Consolidation of deliveries, waste vehicles; Bringing back school busses

Creating a coherent strategy on EV, and regulations for non-road machines

Get central government to devolve legal powers for GLA officers to regulate air pollution of non-road vehicles and on construction site

Draft new Clean Air Act and apply the 1974 Control Pollution Act to construction sites

Thank you to our attendees

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Representatives from organisations including:

SGN, UKPN, Thames Water, Dearman Engine Company, Greener Jobs

Alliance, London Southbank University, Environment Agency, Woodland Trust,

Sustainable Merton, University College London, Tideway, Brixton Society, Just

Space, Selby Trust, Urban Generation, Brook Lyndhurst Ltd., South thames

College’s Centre for Trade Union Studies, South Bank Churches, Learning

without Borders, DG, ICE/CLWM/ISWA, Fuel Poverty Action, LB Southwark,

Student, The Conservation Volunteers, EA, Wandsworth FOE; CREW; Bring

Fronts Back, Wandsworth Environment Forum

Thank you to our attendees

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