Results

“The cost of doing business” is being recalculated in London, as former London Mayor Ken Livingstone’s energy conscious mandates are taking affect.  A city with countless historic buildings and landmarks, London unfortunately holds the dubious honor of consuming more energy than bustling New York City according to a recent Wall Street Journal article.  However, London Mayor Boris Johnson is looking to change that in preparation for the expansive growth he envisions in the coming decade along with the honor of hosting the 2012 Olympics.
 
In the former London Mayor’s “Green Light to Clean Power” report, experts found some alarming trends.  London’s business entities and government agencies are responsible for 30% of the energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions within the city.  Historical buildings which have been partially renovated for business use, are doggedly inefficient when it comes to heating and lighting requirements.  There are lost opportunities to redistribute existing heat generated by businesses into much needed residential heating.  As the report states, “Estimates suggest that energy savings of 15 to 20 per cent are possible from existing buildings, if organisations adopt a range of cost-effective measures from introducing more efficient appliances, to improving the efficiency of boilers and air conditioning systems.”  The solution:  make sure the future construction going up in an Old World city is held to a greener building code.
 
Some of the recommendations include:

• 250 photovoltaic applications on commercial and public buildings
• 500 small wind generators associated with public or private sector buildings
• Expecting major developments to generate at least ten per cent of their energy needs from renewable sources
• New buildings can incorporate natural lighting and ventilation, and efficient supply technologies such as combined heat and power, to contribute to reducing energy demands further

To accomplish these measures means dealing with historic structures of the past and guiding construction of the future.  In tackling the problem of inefficient older public structures, former London Mayor Livingstone announced a plan to retrofit hundreds of public buildings.  As ClimateBiz reported, “Energy service companies are guaranteed a certain amount of energy and financial savings, allowing them to fund improvements like insulation, low-carbon heating and cooling, and energy management technology.”   Looking to the future, two London buildings that lay claim to energy conscious measures are The Gherkin and the “Shard of Glass” tower.  As reported in the Wall Street Journal, “The Gherkin has a ventilation system that uses natural air currents. The ‘Shard of Glass,’ a skyscraper slated to be completed in 2011, will reduce typical energy use by 30% by drawing on excess heat in offices to heat its hotel and apartments.”  An additional measure which fits old and new structures is a green roof, or a living garden which is sustained on a building’s rooftop.  At an April convention, Greenbuilding.com found that “Firms that have installed green roofs have reported a 25 percent reduction in energy use in the floor directly under the roofs, and reduced usage at a lower percentage in other floors.”  Altogether, London’s goal for a greener downtown looks very attainable.
 
Addressing the issues of carbon dioxide emissions, rising energy costs, and resource management should be a top priority for every major metropolitan city.  London’s forethought and initiatives help not only their citizens but serve as a valuable test case for other municipalities worldwide.  Businesses who save money on operating costs can invest that money back into its people and products.  Here’s hoping London Mayor Johnson can continue his predecessor’s vision towards a long term solution that will benefit the whole world.

Friday, July 25th, 2008 leave a response

By Alicen Hogan