COP26: Sadiq Khan says developers must use heat pumps and solar panels to get City Hall funding

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has introduced a new green housing standards plan in an effort to help make London a net zero carbon city by 2030.

Developers wishing to use City Hall funding to build affordable housing must follow new standards to shift towards low-carbon heating solutions.

These include using heat pumps or connections to a heat network rather than gas boilers, and for any suitable roof space to be used for solar panels.

This new initiative hopes to cut London’s carbon emissions by 17,500 tonnes a year, which equates to more than 17,000 return flights between London and New York City

Camden Council is currently leading the way with 359 new build units, including more than 180 social rent homes, being designed to world-leading energy efficiency standards.

The Mayor’s new green home agenda also aims to address fuel poverty, which is a pressing issue this winter.

Mr Khan said: “Having spent time with world leaders and campaigners at COP26 last week, I know we stand at a landmark moment in the battle against climate change.

“We must take bold action now or face dire consequences, with catastrophic impacts on our environment, the climate and the air we breathe further down the line.

“In London that change begins in our own homes.

“I am determined to build the genuinely affordable homes Londoners need - but they must be homes that are fit for the future and help to tackle the climate emergency rather than make it worse.

“In Camden, the council and developers have clearly embraced this challenge. Whilst we still have a lot to do, the actions we take today will have a profound impact on the London we leave for future generations.”

Cllr Danny Beales, a Camden cabinet member, said: “In Camden we are proud to be building the first new council homes in generation, with over 1,000 new council homes planned, and almost 450 already delivered with the support of the Mayor of London.

“These homes are helping to address some of the most significant challenges we are facing in Camden.

“These larger homes are preventing overcrowding and providing our families with space to grow.

“At Agar Grove we are building some of the most energy efficient homes in the UK that are helping residents out of fuel poverty and cutting carbon emissions at a time when bills are rising and action against climate change is urgently needed.

“The Mayor of London shares our view that the climate and housing crisis can be tackled hand-in-hand.

“We want Camden to be zero-carbon by 2030 but we can’t do it alone – we need the government to back us to build more new, greener council homes and to provide crucial investment for overhauling heating networks and upgrading insulation in existing homes.”