Victoria businesses 'go green'

Westminster Council hosted an event at Westminster City Hall, in Victoria Street, to officially launch the charter with the Carbon Trust and Victoria Partnership of businesses and invited guests to sign it as they left.

The charter asks for companies to acknowledge climate change as the greatest environmental threat and to measure energy consumption in their buildings as well as work in partnership with local businesses to share examples of best practice and work towards the UK government targets for reducing carbon dioxide.

Westminster Council's chairman of the Go Green board Cllr Steve Summers said: "More than 75 per cent of all carbon emissions in Westminster come from energy use in buildings so it is crucial we address this issue head-on with other businesses and landowners.

"This voluntary charter proves companies are aware of the serious implications of climate change and want to work together to reduce their impact on the environment.

"There are lots of simple things companies can do to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, such as sealing draughty windows and fitting timers on lights as well as longer term options such as insulating walls and installing double glazing. Hopefully this partnership working will throw up new ideas too."

The charter acknowledges that Victoria is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as flooding caused by heavy rain and sea level rises as well as increased temperatures because of the high concentration of buildings and roads.

Representatives from Buckingham Palace, Google, Telegraph Media Group, EDF Energy, Grosvenor Estates, Land Securities, the Metropolitan Police and the Ministry of Justice were among the invited guests to yesterday's launch.