Greener Greenwich 2024

A Word From The South East London Chamber Of Commerce

Thank You from the South East London Chamber of Commerce

On behalf of the Chamber and the Royal Borough of Greenwich, I’d like to say an enormous thank you to those of you who attended the second Greener Greenwich Summit 2024. Thanks also to our keynote speakers and presenters, and the teams responsible for the pre-event planning and running the day, all of whom contributed to the great success of this Summit. It was a thrill to see such a great turnout and we have had some very positive feedback.

160+ attendees at the Summit

The purpose of this report is twofold. Here you will find a full recap of the day, including links to all the persuasive presentations, the outcomes of our lively workshop discussions, and details of projects and initiatives selected by you that will be developed by SELCC over the coming months. To help keep the energy and momentum going from the day, we have gathered as many resources as we can to help us all to really get behind Greenwich’s net zero and wider sustainability goals, and the links to these can be found in this report. The report is also intended to inspire you to act within your own businesses, whether you are a large organisation or an SME.

The objectives of the day were to share accomplishments and ideas, to foster new relationships, and to come together as a community to make a real difference. The Chamber will continue to share opportunities to collaborate with you going forward.

I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events.

Helen Mcintosh President - South East London Chamber of Commerce

Showing Carbon the Red Card: A Recap of the Day

Since the Royal Borough of Greenwich declared a climate emergency in 2019 and a commitment to the ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions by 2030, the local business community has been working hard to make Greenwich even greener.

On March 21st, 2024, more than 160 representatives of RBG’s businesses came together for the second Greener Greenwich Summit which was hosted at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic Football Club (CAFC). Working with the support of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the event was organised and run by the South East Chamber of Commerce.

Themes of the day

The Summit’s agenda was centred around four main themes that were consolidated from 78 ideas that emerged from “Knowledge Café” roundtable discussions at the first Greener Greenwich Summit held at the University of Greenwich in October 2022. These themes were: Empowering Wider Change, Buildings, Transport, and Green & Digital.

In a series of quickfire presentations, local business leaders and the SELCC’s strategic partners showcased current projects and initiatives that are contributing to a significant reduction in carbon emissions across the borough. Speakers shared their innovative ideas across renewable energy use, waste management, recycling and reuse, sustainable transport, developing green skills, and the use of technology and IT systems to make a difference.

Making the right choice

One of the key objectives of the day was to collectively identify a key project from each of the four areas that will be further developed and led by SELCC as part of an ongoing programme of activities and events in the coming year.

The chosen projects were:

Embedding Wider Change - All Greenwich Businesses to Develop a Carbon Footprint Action Plan

Buildings - Scale Up Energy Efficiency Measures in Domestic and Non-Domestic Buildings

Transport - All Organisations to Develop a Green Travel Plan

Green and Digital - Employers to Pledge their Support to Local Colleges and Universities to Deliver the Right Green and Digital Skills in the Borough

How you can use this report

This report provides you with the Summit content, including links to the presentations and more detail on the projects chosen for further development. It also includes information on upcoming events, and signposting to resources, guidance and support to help both small and large businesses achieve their carbon reduction and wider sustainability goals.

Kicking Off the Summit: Your Hosts and Keynote Speakers

Hosts Helen McIntosh and Paddy Rodgers welcomed Summit delegates, outlining the agenda for an exciting and productive day ahead and celebrating the support from the room to drive action across the region.

Helen McIntosh President of the South East London Chamber of Commerce

Helen has served almost four terms as President of the South East London Chamber of Commerce. Helen is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, and was made a Fellow of London South East Colleges in 2023 in recognition of her significant support as a strategic partner in influencing the region’s skills agenda. Helen has worked in public affairs for over 30 years and represents Landsec U&I on the Chamber’s Board.

Paddy Rodgers Director Royal Museums Greenwich

Paddy Rodgers is the Director of the Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG), which comprises the National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Prince Philip Maritime Collection Centre, and attracts 2.5m visitors annually. Paddy is a lawyer with a long history of experience in the shipping industry, previously serving as CEO of Euronav, the world’s largest publicly listed tanker company.

Keynote Speakers

The Chamber invited three keynote speakers to open the Summit. The speakers set the intentions for the day, sharing their successes stories and latest sustainable initiatives, a summary of which can be found below.

Paul Elliott CBE, MBE a special adviser to the FA Chair and CEO

Paul Elliott, a former Charlton Athletic player, acknowledged the strength of the club’s partnership with the RSK Group, which has helped the club become more sustainable. Although CAFC ranks among the top 6 sustainable clubs in the UK, they remain dedicated to further reducing their carbon emissions and accelerating change. Initiatives such as a sustainable travel charter, introducing drinking water machines at the club, and replacing halogen bulbs with LEDs demonstrates their commitment to creating “greener games”. Paul emphasised our collective responsibility to maintain the environment, encapsulated in the acronym below.

TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More

Paul Elliott was a successful England football player whose career began at Charlton Athletic in the early 1980s. Paul has dedicated his life to anti-racism initiatives which began during his time at Chelsea where he co-founded the country’s leading football anti-discrimination organisation. Paul was appointed MBE and CBE for his services to equality, diversity, and inclusion in football. Returning to his football roots, Paul was recently appointed to Charlton Athletic FC’s Board.

Dr Alan Ryder Chief Executive Officer, RSK Group

From picking up litter on the way home from school to developing an interest in environmental issues at Hull University, RSK founder Alan Ryder’s drive to look after our planet began at an early age. More than 35 years ago, Alan was inspired to establish an organisation that would positively impact both the environment and society, providing innovative, high-quality environmental and engineering solutions whilst prioritising sustainability. In his address, Alan shared his inspiration, reiterating the value and importance for us all to come together as a strong community to ensure we can meet net zero goals.

Alan is both the founder and CEO of the RSK Group, fulfilling his ambition to create a sustainable business with people at its heart. Today, RSK is a group of more than 200 diverse businesses with 15,000 colleagues working together on six continents across most sectors of the economy, all committed to delivering against the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Sarah Murray Director, Local London

Sarah Murray of Local London reflected on their sustainability achievements while acknowledging the urgent need for residents and businesses to work together to find ‘voices and resources’ to accelerate further change. Diverse initiatives are underway across nine member London boroughs, including a 3-year plan, ‘Towards 2026’, with an emphasis on ‘People, Place, and Sustainability’. Sarah also highlighted the ‘Mind the Skills Gap’ local skills improvement plan, which aims to help double green job opportunities by 2030, and a focus on Green and Digital initiatives, including Project Gigabit, which will enable hard-to-reach communities to access fast internet services.

Local London is a partnership of 9 London boroughs working towards net zero, identifying the jobs and skills needed in key green economic growth sectors, with a focus on collaboration and innovation. Sarah oversees large growth programmes covering employment, skills, careers, business support and digital infrastructure. Sarah leads the sub-region’s efforts to influence the Government’s levelling-up agenda and secure funding for sustainable local economic growth.

The Journey to The Greener Greenwich Summit 2024

Mark Jenkinson walked through RBG’s progress with their carbon neutral plan, and Rosemary Nunn gave us a recap on the original Summit and where it all started.

Update on progress in Greenwich towards being carbon neutral

Mark shared the latest on the borough’s Carbon Neutral Plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030, outlining the plan’s 7 themes on which the Summit was structured. He highlighted key stats: emissions from commercial sources account for 29% of the borough’s total CO2 emissions and only 8% businesses have insulated their buildings. Businesses were encouraged to embrace “just 1 thing” and take action to reduce emissions from energy use, waste and travel, and Mark identified sources of funding and staff training to support this.

Mark Jenkinson Managing Director, Crystal Associates

Mark Jenkinson is Director of Crystal Associates, a consultancy helping cities, communities, and businesses on the path to be smarter and more sustainable. Prior to setting up the company, Mark spent 25 years in senior global roles at Siemens with a focus on sustainability and digitalisation of city infrastructure and industry

Recap of Greener Greenwich Summit 2022

“If we all did just one thing, what might happen?” The first Greener Greenwich Summit took place in October 2022, funded by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and led by the University of Greenwich. Centred around the theme of “Just 1 Thing”, key stakeholders came together to share best practices, celebrate achievements and discuss the way forward on the journey to 2030. The conversations and outputs of that event have helped to shape this second Summit.

Rosemary Nunn Founder and Managing Director, I&K

Rosemary is founder and Managing Director of I&K - The Innovation and Knowledge Agency. With a background in economics, Rosemary has enjoyed a lengthy career in the private sector working across multiple sectors. Rosemary’s agency helps organisations to curate knowledge and facilitate innovation to improve operational performance and create value, via the design and leadership of business transformation programmes.

“This room has great energy. How do we keep this community alive and generate energy to deliver the projects moving forward?”

https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ homepage/466/our_carbon_neutral_plan https://www.ik-agents.com

Where did it all start?

The Carbon Neutral Plan

A 2022 Success Story: Notpla and the Seaweed Revolution

Notpla’s Innovative Approach to Plastic Free Packaging.

After a standout presentation from London-based start-up, Notpla, at the first Greener Greenwich Summit in October 2022, everyone was talking about seaweed! Notpla has developed products that harness the natural properties of seaweed to create edible and totally biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging.

7.3 million pieces of singleuse plastic replaced

And just a few weeks after the Summit, Notpla, was celebrating winning the prestigious Earthshot environmental prize in the ‘Build a Waste Free World Category’. Notpla is the first ever UK company to win such a prize, giving them £1m to significantly scale their work to help repair the planet.

Their range of products include food containers and sachets, beverage capsules, cutlery, laundry pods and even paper, with many more ideas in the research pipeline. Notpla’s

creative solutions have already replaced 7.3 million pieces of single-use plastic from polluting our planet.

As well as many new commercial opportunities, the funding from The Earthshot Prize has allowed the Notpla team to grow by ten people and allowed the business to invest in new machinery for further research and development.

Unfortunately, Notpla’s Research Director, Dr Louise Anderson was unable to attend the 2024 Summit due to illness. Her presentation slides are available here.

https://www.notpla.com/impact

The Crowd: The Attendees List

Representatives of Greenwich businesses, both large and small, were invited to join the conversation.

273K Limited

4YaParty Weddings & Events

Abintra

Access Self Storage

AEG Europe (The O2)

Alcatel Submarine Networks

All Inclusive Training

Axis Europe PLC

Baily Garner LLP

Barclays PLC

Berkeley Group

BPTW

Build Global

Caroline Hands Art

Charlton Athletic Football Club

CIRCA Business Services Ltd

CNT Associates

Crystal Associates

Coventry University London

DG Cities

Digital Greenwich Connect

East London Francophone

FATNINJAS MSP (UK) LTD

Faunteewrites Limited

Friends PRO Services

Grant Saw Solicitors LLP

Green Business Action London

The Greener Greenwich Community Network

Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA)

Greenwich Enterprise Board (GEB)

Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College

Greenwich Leisure Limited

Greenwich+Docklands Festivals

Helen Merati (Secretary GGCN)

HER Centre

Home-start Greenwich

I&K Innovation & Knowledge Agency

IO-Gen

James Kay Architects

Knight Dragon

Lamorbey Associates Limited

Legacy

Lifeforce Security Limited

Living Wage Foundation

Local London

London Borough of Bexley

London Chamber of Commerce & Industry

London City Airport

London South East Colleges

Martin Arnold

MATTER

MCG

Merlette Marketing Ltd

Morgan Sindall

Mo-Sys Engineering

Navillus

Network Bridge Solutions Ltd

Nomon Internet Solutions Ltd

OCN London

Oxleas NHS

Peabody

Profit Impact

Ravensbourne University

Rival Colour Ltd

Roots4life

Royal Museums Greenwich

RSK Group

Russell Associates Architects

Russell King Associates

Sarah Garrod Photography

Shooters Hill Sixth Form College

Social Matrix Limited

South East Enterprise Ltd

South East London Chamber of Commerce

South East London

Community Energy

Stanley Watts Greenwich

Thackray Williams LLP

The AHOY Centre

The Drury Tea & Coffee

Company Ltd

The Greenwich Society

The Prince’s Trust

Tramshed Arts Ltd

Trinity Childminder Ltd

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

University of Greenwich

Viritopia

Visit Greenwich

Warren King Photography

Woolwich Creative District

Trust

Woolwich Service Users

Project

Themes for the day

Session 1 - Empowering Wider Change

Session 2 - Buildings

Session 3 - Transport

Session 4 - Green And Digital

Empowering Wider Change: Presentation Summaries

Speakers 1 and 2

Better Futures: Why Is Net Zero Good for Business?

Green Business London helps businesses to achieve their net zero goals, guiding them in adopting sustainable practices, reducing emissions, optimising energy efficiency, and integrating renewable energy sources into their operations. They offer free, actionable sustainability audits that can help businesses reduce their cost as well as their impact on the environment.

Marta Martinez Environmental Sustainability Manager, West London Business

Marta manages the sustainability programme, Green Business Action, for West London Business. The programme consists of multiple projects delivering free support to SMEs across London. With a background in Engineering and Sustainability, Marta helps businesses navigate their journey to net zero, whether they are starting out and looking to grasp the basics or integrating their plans into their business strategies.

Embedding Wider Change

https://greenbusinessaction.com https://greenbusinessaction.com/apply /betterfutures-apply/

Claire emphasised embedding wider change through initiatives such as supporting enterprises, creating community hubs, and fostering healthy lifestyles. The Good Food in Greenwich Partnership, launched in 2014, has transformed the local food landscape by promoting healthy, sustainable, and accessible food for all residents, workers, and visitors. This includes strategies such as endorsing fair trade, reducing food waste, supporting local businesses, and encouraging healthy eating practices in workplaces and communities.

Claire Pritchard CEO, Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency

(GDCA)

GCDA is a charitable co-operative with a mission to support communities to thrive; socially, economically, and environmentally. Claire has grown their work to include public health and training programmes, coordinating Sustainable Food Cities partnerships, managing community buildings, running food growing sites, training restaurants, production kitchens and cookery clubs, a wholesale fruit and vegetable service, supporting street trading and developing new markets.

As well as introducing the great work of the GDCA, Claire announced the launch of ‘Good Food in Greenwich Workplace Charter’ This serves as a comprehensive framework outlining principles and actions for workplaces in Greenwich to promote healthier and more sustainable food choices among employees. Sign up here; https://www. goodfoodingreenwich.org/workplace-charter

https://gcda.coop

https://www.goodfoodingreenwich.org/

Empowering Wider Change: Presentation Summaries

Speakers 3 and 4

Powering A Cleaner, Fairer Future

Giovanna passionately illustrated the South East London Community Energy (SELCE) journey to achieving an energy system that is fit for the future in the South East. This presentation highlighted SELCE’s successes and achievements including working towards a reduction in the demand for energy, increasing the use of renewable energy, fighting fuel poverty and raising essential investment to successfully deliver it all.

Dr Giovanna Speciale SELCE

“Today gives me hope. Let’s stare the climate emergency in the face”

Giovanna Speciale is co-founder of an award-winning community energy group, SELCE, which started out to transform the energy system in SE London to make it fit for the future. SELCE enables over 1000 vulnerable households per year to reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions, always evolving new ways to combat fuel poverty. SELCE supports households, community venues, and businesses to manage their retrofit and renewable energy journey.

Building A Culture of Reuse

https://selce.org.uk

The Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) has a culture of finding a way to reduce, reuse and recycle every element of waste produced across their museums. Unusual waste such as exhibition props and sets require an innovative management approach. Andy outlined the opportunities, setbacks and challenges they face, urging us all to act now, and to share ideas, best practice and contacts with our wider communities.

Andy Maidment Sustainability Manager, Royal Museums

Greenwich

Andy joined Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) in July 2022 as their first Sustainability Manager. RMG has since identified and quantified its most significant environmental impacts and set reduction targets, publishing its inaugural Sustainability Strategy in September 2023. With a history of sustainability initiatives, RMG focuses on increasing climate change awareness, improving site sustainability, integrating sustainable practices into all facets of its operations, and advocating for industry-wide change.

To find out more about how the RMG is raising awareness of the impact of climate change through their exhibitions, reducing carbon emissions across their estate and integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of their organisation, visit Sustainability at Royal Museums Greenwich | Royal Museums Greenwich (rmg.co.uk)

Building a culture of reuse

https://www.rmg.co.uk

Empowering Wider Change: All Greenwich Businesses to Develop a Carbon Footprint Action Plan

Following the presentations from the Empowering Wider Change session, delegates were asked to vote for one of the proposed four projects/ initiatives they’d like to see taken forward for development by the SELCC. Once they had selected their preferred project, each table discussed the key considerations and next steps, a summary of which can be found below

Which Empowering project / initiative is your favourite?

Key Considerations

● Local needs should be mapped, identifying sources of emissions based on the type of business.

● RBG should endorse and promote Green Business London.

● Developing a carbon footprint action plan should be made mandatory for large businesses.

● Each organisation would need to collect data to define a baseline and outline steps and pathways for improvement.

● Businesses should be encouraged to raise awareness with customers of the extent of their carbon footprint and actions they will take to mitigate it.

● Local case studies should be identified and amplified to showcase best practise and successful sustainability efforts within the community.

Next steps and actions

● SELCC to hold events to support the raising of awareness. A programme of events will be shared with members in the coming weeks.

● Set up a SELCC Sustainability Group for member businesses. 61%

Buildings: Presentation Summaries

Speakers

1 and 2

Creating a Sustainable Peabody

Richard set out the strategic planks of the sustainability plan being deployed across Peabody’s entire portfolio. Their strategy includes improving Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), moving to electric vehicle fleets, trialling renewable energy options including creating energy from waste and increasing biodiversity amongst many other initiatives. Peabody’s aim is to establish a truly sustainable business by enhancing stakeholder engagement, raising awareness through training, and implementing policy changes within the organisation.

Richard Ellis Director of Sustainability, Peabody

Richard leads Peabody’s transition to net zero carbon by 2050 and published their refreshed Environmental Sustainability strategy in 2023. Richard is currently working on heat networks, renewable technology and reducing Peabody’s carbon impact in its operations and in new and existing homes. Richard is passionate about social housing, sustainable places, customer service and making sure that the homes that we live in are safe, secure, and fit for the future.

https://www.peabodygroup.org.uk

‘Get The Gas Out’ - Decarbonisation Projects

Adele and Noel shared progress to date with their strategic 10-year plan to create sustainable campuses on their journey to net zero, by improving the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, refurbishing existing buildings and reusing existing materials. Their presentation outlined in detail their approach to getting the gas out of the University estate, and the lessons they have learnt on their journey so far.

Adele Brooks Associate Director of Capital Projects, University of Greenwich

A specialist in Listed Buildings and World Heritage site projects, Adele works in the commercial and client sectors, leading and developing strategic options to tackle challenges faced in the built environment. From inception to completion in regeneration and new build projects, Adele has created and delivered organisational strategic masterplans, team structures, and processes and procedures with a focus on corporate culture and leadership.

https://www.gre.ac.uk

Noel McSweeney Building Services Manager, University of Greenwich

Noel is a qualified Mechanical and Electrical engineer who supports the University of Greenwich on the strategy and development of its mechanical and electrical services, and the decarbonisation of its estate to meet net zero carbon emissions targets by 2030.The strategy outlines the need to reduce heating loads, and offset increases in utility spends with the installation of smart technology solutions.

Creating a sustainable Peabody

Buildings: Presentation Summaries

Speaker 3

Energy Research Project - The Dream, The Drive, Fuelled By Need

As Mo-Sys plan to move into a listed power station in Plumstead that will house eight new research studios, Michael outlined the financial and environmental challenges they face heating the space. Driving innovation into the borough, MoSys hope to create a blueprint that others can learn from, exploring green hydrogen tidal power and infrared body sensor heating.

Michael Geissler Founder and Owner, Mo-Sys Engineering

Michael is an entrepreneur, product architect and visionary and is the founder, owner, and leader of Mo-Sys Engineering. Mo-Sys is an innovative designer and manufacturer of advanced camera robotics and virtual technologies for the high-end film and broadcasting industry. With customers in over 50 countries, clients include BBC, Fox, Netflix, Disney and Warner Bros. Mo-Sys also funds and mentors several start-ups.

https://www.mo-sys.com

Buildings: Scale Up Energy Efficiency Measures in Domestic

and NonDomestic Buildings

Following the presentations from the Buildings session, delegates were asked to vote for one of the proposed four projects/initiatives they’d like to see taken forward for development by the SELCC. Once they had selected their preferred project, each table discussed the key considerations and next steps, a summary of which can be found below.

Which Building project / initiative is your favourite?

Scale up energy efficiency measures in domestic/non-domestic buildings

Develop a Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) for Greenwich

Decarbonise the energy supply - 'Get the gas out!' (including heat networks)

Switch to a green energy supplier

53% of delegates voted for the chosen project

Key Considerations

● Launch a campaign, with appropriate events, to raise awareness of energy efficiency measures.

● Develop local networks to facilitate the sharing of best practices and solutions, such as district heating/cooling systems.

● A central trusted list of approved suppliers, such as retrofitters, should be developed or signposted to for easy access.

● All new builds must adhere to the RBG local level plan to ensure sustainability standards are met.

● Prioritising funding is essential; more resources should be allocated to enable businesses to implement sustainability measures effectively.

Next steps and actions

● SELCC to hold events on energy efficiency, in particular on council retrofitting.

● Set up a SELCC Sustainability Group for member businesses.

Transport: Presentation Summaries

Speakers

1 and 2

Green Travel Plans

Simon explained how the University of Greenwich is overcoming the challenges of moving between campuses and accommodating overseas students whilst keeping carbon emissions in check. Strategic initiatives include improving bus networks, moving to free parking for electric vehicles, cycle to works schemes, installing secure bike sheds and encouraging car shares through a new app-based scheme.

Simon Earp Transport and Green Travel Manager, University of Greenwich

Simon is a Logistics graduate from Aston University and has worked in the logistics and transport sectors for nearly 30 years, including roles at Boots, and Tesco. Simon has managed the University of Greenwich’s green travel plan, vehicle fleet, parking and bus contracts since 2007.

What is a green travel plan?

https://www.gre.ac.uk/about-us/travel/ https://www.gre.ac.uk/about-us/travel/greentravel

Transitioning to an Electric Vehicle Fleet

Balázs outlined the strategy to decarbonising business fleets through innovative and creative approaches. Plans highlighted the obvious need to increase on-street charging points across the borough, but also the collaboration required with employers to increase overnight charging options at home, employees utilising rapid charging points at key times, and for providers to consider key locations close to businesses or installing new points.

Balázs Csuvár Director of Innovation and net zero, DG Cities

DG Cities is the innovation company of Greenwich Council that focuses on running research and development and new technology implementation projects both in Greenwich and the rest of the UK. Balázs is an innovation consultant with 10 years of international experience in developing smart city strategies, planning connected and autonomous mobility, and in local government capacity building. At DG Cities, Balázs works with both local authorities and the private sector, leading projects on decarbonisation of vehicle fleets, holistic neighbourhood design and developing and trialling new technology solutions for a variety of urban applications.

Transport: Presentation Summaries

Speaker 3

Electrifying The River

Geoff outlined the progress Uber Boats has made on its way to achieving net zero goals via the expansion of its hybrid and electric fleet and its movement towards zero emissions electric vessels. This presentation also highlighted the social and economic challenges they are facing getting vehicles off the road and onto the river.

Geoff Symonds

Chief Operating Officer, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Geoff was appointed as Chief Operating Officer at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers in January 2014. Geoff is responsible for the operational side of the business and plays a key role in the strategic development of the river bus network. During his tenure, the business has grown from 150 to 500 employees and demand has increased from 2.7m to 5m passengers annually.

Thames Clippers Overview

Transport: All Organisations to Develop a Green Travel Plan

Following the presentations from the Transport session, delegates were asked to vote for one of the proposed four projects/initiatives they’d like to see taken forward for development by the SELCC. Once they had selected their preferred project, each table discussed the key considerations and next steps, a summary of which can be found below.

Which Transport project / initiative is your favourite?

All organisations to develop a green travel plan

Support calls for a River Commissioner for London

Encourage the use of the river for low to zero-emission freight

Encourage the transition to electric vehicle fleets

57%

of delegates voted for the chosen project

Key Considerations

● Ensure that good practice is shared on how to develop a green travel plan.

● There is a need to incentivise businesses, staff, students, and visitors to use sustainable transport methods, for example, giving points for choosing a ‘green’ transportation option.

● Lobbying efforts should be directed towards improving infrastructure and securing additional funding, such as making cycling safer, increasing bike storage and charging points (powered by solar energy), promoting shared mobility options, and encouraging more use of the river for transportation.

Next steps and actions

● SELCC to hold an event on how to develop a green travel plan.

● SELCC to support the call for a River Commissioner.

Green & Digital: Presentation Summaries

Speakers 1 and 2

Meeting The Green Skills Agenda

This presentation introduced the organisation, highlighting where their efforts to date are already reducing carbon emissions on campus via renewable energy sources. As the strategic lead for Green and Digital Skills across the Local London region, London South East Colleges (LSEC) outlined how they are helping to address the green skills gap through their grant funded projects, training, course offerings events, knowledge sharing, mentoring, and use of technology.

Neil Coates Deputy Principal, Enterprise and Employment, LSEC

Neil Coates is a passionate leader focussing on developing strong interdependent teams to enable innovation. Neil has a remit to drive the Group’s Employer Engagement strategy, developing pathways into employment, including professional training opportunities to ensure employers have a central voice in the skills for their staff.

Liz Lake Group Director Strategic Projects and Partnerships, London South East Colleges

With over 10 years’ experience of managing and implementing projects within the education and skills sector, Liz is committed to delivering innovation and change at a strategic level to deliver the best outcomes for people of all ages.

Creating Change: Glyndon Community Centre

This presentation highlighted a collaborative effort between Ravensbourne University London, South East London Integrated Care System, and BME Volunteers CIC, aimed at transforming the landscape around the Glyndon Community Centre, Greenwich. Supported by key stakeholders the Greater London Authority, Hubbub, and Natural England, the initiative operates on three foundational pillars: climate action, interdisciplinary skills, and social impact. Through green, digital, and social interventions, the project aims to enhance the physical environment and promote social cohesion within the community, showcasing the power of partnership in driving positive change at the local level.

Alberto Villanueva Head of Architecture, Ravensbourne University, London

Alberto is a senior architect and leader of the School of Architecture at Ravensbourne University who is dedicated to addressing environmental challenges within his profession. Alberto’s pioneering work, exploring 3D printing and innovative materials for architectural solutions in extreme environments impacted by climate change, has garnered widespread recognition. Alberto is affiliated with many varied institutions and plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of architects and designers.

https://www.lsec.ac.uk https://www.locallondongreenskills.com https://www.ravensbourne.ac.uk

Green & Digital: Presentation Summaries

Speakers 3 and 4

Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN): The Home of Communication

This presentation outlined ASN’s green charter and sustainability road map across their operations, their achievements to date and proposals in the pipeline, utilising advanced technology and data acquisition to monitor climate change. Their proposal for ‘just 1 thing’ is the development of a local area energy plan for Greenwich, continuing the theme of emphasising the need to collaborate for success in reducing the impact of carbon emissions.

Taj Bhambra Managing Director, ASN Greenwich

Taj is responsible for the manufacture of ASN’s electronic and optical equipment for subsea and surface applications. ASN connects the world and enables our digitally connected lives. If you use the internet, you are using ASN equipment made in Greenwich. Taj has overall responsibility for Greenwich facilities, Health and Safety, Sales and Operational Planning, and is known for his creative and pragmatic application of emerging technology and methodologies.

Harnessing Technology for the Green Transition

Sam posed the question “how can we use technology at different scales to drive the green transition?” and highlighted the ways in which his work at DG Cities is harnessing the potential of data collection and connectivity across homes, industry, agriculture, and business to help deliver our net zero commitments as a collaborative community.

Sam Grounds DG Cities

Sam specialises in social housing transformation using new and emerging technologies. Sam has a background working within local authorities and leads on the use of Internet of Things (IoT), trialling new products and building business cases for their wider use. Sam also works on connectivity strategies for local authorities, working closely with councils and Internet Service Providers to deliver high-speed fibre to residents in line with local and central government priorities.

Technology for the Green Transition

Green and Digital: Employers to Pledge their Support to Local Colleges and Universities to Deliver the Right Green and Digital Skills in the Borough

Following the presentations from the Green and Digital session, delegates were asked to vote for one of the proposed four projects/initiatives they’d like to see taken forward for development by the SELCC. Once they had selected their preferred project, each table discussed the key considerations and next steps, a summary of which can be found below.

Which Green & Digital project / initiative is your favourite?

Employers to pledge their support to local colleges and universities to deliver the right green and digital skills in the borough

Encourage community/student engagement around green & digital projects

Provide green & digital training & employment opportunities for residents & employees

Ensure we capture the right to data across the borough to drive improvement

Ensure Greenwich becomes a centre of excellence for world-class digital technology

40% of delegates voted for the chosen project

Key Considerations

● Develop an event with training providers and employers on green and digital skills in the borough.

● Colleges and universities in the borough should communicate their current curriculum and the range of qualifications available for green and digital skills across all age groups.

● Employers, both large and small, should collate their respective needs and potential gaps in the curriculum.

● Employers should actively support sustainability initiatives by engaging in activities such as;

● going into schools to present why sustainability is ‘cool’,

● inspiring people to pursue careers in green skills.

● offering career advice and highlighting exciting career paths from school.

● supporting ‘train the trainer’ programmes.

● Placements and internships should be provided to allow students to gain practical experience in green and digital skills.

Next steps and actions

● SELCC to hold an event with providers and employers on green and digital skills in the borough.

Questions from the Floor

During the Summit, delegates had the opportunity to pose questions via the Slido app, and below you’ll find a selection of those questions with their responses. We will endeavour to build on these, and other questions posed on the day, through the upcoming events and activities including through the SELCC Sustainability group, formed out of the Summit.

Are heat pumps noisy?

The legal noise limit for a heat pump is 42 decibels. This is measured from the nearest neighbouring property. So, the loudest your heat pump should be at the boundary to your neighbour’s property is 42 decibels. To put that into perspective, this is a similar volume to a refrigerator. Visit How Noisy Are Heat Pumps? (heat-pumps.org.uk) for further information.

How many electric vehicle charging points in the borough?

According to the borough’s Electric Vehicle Policy Framework Action Plan https://bit.ly/4aNxfio issued in October 2022, approximately 1% of vehicles in Greenwich are electric (~1,500 vehicles out of 80,000 total), supported by a network of ~300 public charging points. TfL predicts 34-49% of all vehicles in London will be electric by 2030 and we can expect this to apply to Greenwich. In order to support the charging requirements of these vehicles there will need to be a mix of 1,200 –2,700 EV charging points in Greenwich by 2030.

You can find your nearest charging point on ZapMap: https://www.zap-map.com

What are the next steps after this session?

This report is one of the first steps. As pointed out elsewhere in this report, the Chamber will hold a series of events around the topics discussed at the Summit, including the four projects selected. In fact, we held an on-line event by Coventry University London “How Climate Change May Impact Your Business”, on Monday 8 April, just a few days after the Summit. In addition, we have formed a SELCC Sustainability Group to support the realisation of the four selected projects and the 13 other projects discussed in the Summit.

Additional Support for Businesses

Below you will find a directory of useful links to the support available to help you achieve your sustainability goals, whether you’re a large or small business.

Empowering wider change Green Business Action London

The UK Government is subsidising a free sustainability and energy support programme (https:// greenbusinessaction.com/better-futures/) for London SMEs, where businesses can learn how to be greener and more efficient. This is available to businesses who have between 2 and 249 full-time employees, between £70k and £43m turnover (£50K threshold for diverse founders) and are trading in one of London’s 32 boroughs.

The next cohort of support starts on the 15th of April 2024, and the final one will take place in September 2024.

Support includes:

● Access to webinars and in-person workshops to learn about sustainability topics: carbon, waste, resilience, etc.

● Free access to an online learning portal with extra training to future-proof your business.

● Consultancy with experts from a range of fields including energy, LCAs, B Corp, marketing, etc.

● Grants for sustainable innovations.

● 12 months of free access to a carbon calculator to measure your business carbon footprint.

● A tailored carbon reduction plan in line with national regulations.

● A free energy audit and energy reduction report to help reduce your energy bills.

You can sign up for the Better Futures green business support programme here: https://bit.ly/BFApplyHere

University of Greenwich - Green Travel Plans

Find out more about the university’s green travel plan as part of their commitment to reduce travel related emissions by 50% by 2027 across all three campuses. https://www.gre.ac.uk/about-us/travel/green-travel

Royal Museums Greenwich

To find out more about how the RMG is raising awareness of the impact of climate change through their exhibitions, reducing carbon emissions across their estate and integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of their organisation, visit Sustainability at Royal Museums Greenwich | Royal Museums Greenwich. https://www.rmg.co.uk/about-us/sustainability

Good Food in Greenwich Workplace Charter

https://www.goodfoodingreenwich.org/

Launched by the GDCA, the ‘Good Food in Greenwich Workplace Charter’ serves as a comprehensive framework outlining principles and actions for workplaces in Greenwich to promote healthier and more sustainable food choices among employees. There is plenty of guidance on the site which will help you to meet the criteria. You can also get involved at a higher level by joining the partnership or one of the steering groups and network with like- minded people.

Sign up to the charter here; https://www.goodfoodingreenwich.org/workplacecharter

Green Skills and Digital London South East Colleges

Visit the https://www.locallondongreenskills.com/ website which has undergone a huge refresh to include the considerable amount of activity that is taking place across the Local London area on Green skills through the LSIF project.

Additional Support for Businesses

Below you will find a directory of useful links to the support available to help you achieve your sustainability goals, whether you’re a large or small business.

Carbon Footprint

The Carbon Trust – a useful tool to help small and medium sized businesses calculate their emissions. https://www.carbontrust.com/our-work-andimpact/guides-reports-and-tools/sme-carbonfootprint-calculator

The Energy Savings Trust – the EST provides inclusive service to help businesses of all sizes to create a sustainability strategy with a focus on reducing your businesses carbon footprint. https://energysavingtrust. org.uk/sustainability-in-business-navigating-thepath-to-net-zero/

Climate Action Tool Kit – if you are a London based business you can take advantage of this bespoke toolkit created for SMEs, to make taking action against the climate crisis accessible and achievable. https://theheartofthecity.com/climate/

Advice and Funding options

UK Business Climate Hub – a great resource for links to support schemes and networks, with free tools for SMEs. https://businessclimatehub.uk/finance-andsupport-england/

Grow London – find out the benefits of setting up a sustainable business in London. https://www.grow.london

BGF - Growth Capital for small and mid-sized business to help them grow sustainably. https://www.bgf.co.uk

Grow London Local - free access to support to help grow small businesses. https://www.growlondonlocal. london

Grants

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) - businesses can gain free access to Climate Essentials, a carbon management platform, as well as match-funded grants of between £500 and £5,000 to use for decarbonisation projects. https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/business/ business-support-and-advice/uk-shared-prosperityfund/funding-for-business-decarbonisation

Coventry University London

Follow this link for the full programme of the University’s IEMA accredited CPD courses. Professional courses at CU London https://www.coventry.ac.uk/cul/study/ professional-courses/

London Living Wage

Ready to become a Living Wage Employer? Follow this link to get accredited today. https://www.livingwage.org.uk/accredit

Support from the Stands

Click on the links below to find out more about the courses and business support available to help you improve your green and digital skills, digital connectivity and meet your carbon goals.

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/cul/study/ professional-courses/

https://gcda.coop

https://itstechnologygroup.com

https://www.livingwage.org.uk

https://rskgroup.com

https://digitalgreenwichconnect.com

https://www.gre.ac.uk/sustain

https://www.lsec.ac.uk

https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk

https://www.seenterprise.co.uk

They think it’s all over...

The final whistle may have been blown on this year’s Greener Greenwich Summit, but the hard work is only just beginning

One of the main aims of the Summit was to facilitate new connections and to help grow a community that can work together to really make a difference to carbon reduction across the borough. The Chamber and partners have already sprung into action since then to drive action around the four prioritised projects, while not forgetting the other projects discussed.

Activities include:

● Formation of the SELCC Sustainability group that will help to drive action around the four prioritised projects and other sustainability initiatives.

● Curation of an events programme which kicked off just after the Summit when SELCC hosted an online seminar with Coventry University London, exploring how climate change may affect businesses.

● The Chamber has been building an online hub to host all sustainability-related resources to support large and small businesses, available at greenergreenwich.org

● Supporting calls for a River (& Freight) Commissioner for London to accelerate progress on better using the Thames for passenger and freight transport, including through working closely with the Port of London Authority, industry and local authorities.

● The Chamber is supporting the launch of the Royal Greenwich Carbon Neutral Charter, due summer 2024.

● Encouraging businesses to sign up to:

● Green Business Action London: https://greenbusinessaction.com/apply /betterfutures-apply/

● The Good Food in Greenwich Charter: https://www.goodfoodingreenwich.org/charter membership

● London Living Wage: https://www.livingwage.org.uk/accredit

The Chamber will be in touch with you all with a programme of events in the coming weeks, and looks forward to your ongoing support.

The South East London Chamber of Commerce.

Journey to Net Zero – what have RBG been doing?

Almost half of delegates surveyed at the Summit were not aware of RBG’s Carbon Neutral plan, launched in 2019. You can familiarise yourself with it here https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/200342/ carbon_neutral_plan

Update on progress since Greener Greenwich 2022

● The council has invested in retrofitting 28 buildings within its corporate estate, resulting in an annual saving of 750 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

● A retrofitting program for over 600 Council owned properties owned by the council, totalling an investment of over £20 million.

● The council has successfully secured approximately £1.9 million in funding through the Public Sector Decarbonising Scheme to retrofit maintained schools, resulting in annual savings of 300 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

● This year, over 600 additional trees have been planted as part of the council’s environmental initiatives.

● Phase 2 (2022-2026) of the Greenwich Builds programme is currently underway, with the potential delivery of up to 1000 new zero carbon homes.

● £3.1 million in funding has been secured to address key priorities outlined in the council’s Transport Strategy.

● Grant funding has been secured for the development of a borough-wide heat network Detailed Project Design

● The council has successfully implemented fortnightly domestic refuse collection services.

● The Repairs and Investment team has delivered energy efficiency measures to over 1000 households.

● Support for circular economy initiatives has resulted in the mitigation of 37.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent and saved residents approximately £138,000 in new item purchases.

● The Royal Greenwich Carbon Neutral Charter is scheduled to be launched in the summer.

I would like to thank all speakers, table facilitators, delegates and support staff for making the Summit 2024 such a resounding success. But the hard work starts now as we work together to deliver on the four selected projects and other initiatives to help Greenwich be a leader in sustainability and digital technology and reach its ambitious 2030 target.

Mark Jenkinson, Board Director, SELCC

Thanks for your continuing support

The Greener Greenwich project will continue to pursue the goal of supporting Greenwich to achieve its ambitious target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Acknowledgements and Thanks

South East London Chamber of Commerce

Royal Borough of Greenwich

Charlton Athletic Football Club

Mo-Sys Engineering

Think Events

Creative Wave Design

273K Design

Warren King Photography

Merlette Marketing

Supported by