The partnership Launch brought together leading figures from Local Government, the academic sector and employers
The partnership Launch brought together leading figures from Local Government, the academic sector and employers to look at the next steps in securing a green future for Newham and wider London via skills to make real change in building design, technology and our society.
The report suggests that London will see rapid growth in green jobs in the coming years, as the sector becomes increasingly crucial for the capital’s economy. The research forecasts the number of green jobs will increase from 234,000 in 2020 to 605,000 in 2030, and over 1m by 2050.
Speaking at the launch event Mayor Fiaz said: “Collectively, we have a moral obligation to act. We must ensure that we meet our ambitious carbon emissions targets.
“Net zero is not easy. It requires retrofitting many thousands of housing units, installation of electric car charging points, and the finance to support these efforts.
“Our partnership represents action, it represents a commitment to net zero, and it represents a commitment to our residents. It represents a future of well-paid green jobs.”
“The green jobs and skills agenda presents a unique opportunity for inclusive economic growth that provides our residents with a just transition to a new economy. I want see the skills in our local economy to drive this ambition forward.”
Over the last year Newham Council has
- Embarked on the most significant council home retrofit programme in a generation, including cleaner, cheaper heating systems for all.
- Started to decarbonise all council buildings following the successful bid for a £2.7m grant through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
- Switched to 100 per cent renewable electricity for all council operated buildings, as well as all street lighting in the borough and communal lighting across all council owned housing estates.
- Accelerated the ‘Passivhaus’ standards in the council’s housebuilding programme so that all homes built are sustainable and green.
- Launched Newham Sparks - a vibrant call for action to unleash the power of digital in our economy.
Commitments going forward
- Over the next five years, the council has allocated £280m overall for investment in our existing Council housing stock.
- Invested in capacity to research what is required to fulfill climate commitments in 2030 and then 2050:
- Engaged a team of specialist consultants to work on creating a carbon neutral roadmap to achieve our 2050 corporate objectives.
- Longer-term budgets will increase substantially and funding the retrofit of existing stock is a cornerstone of our Housing Revenue Business planning, which will be updated alongside our decarbonisation roadmap.
- Employed a Retrofit Co-Ordinator for research, feasibility and potential grant funding who will be working closely with the wider social housing sector.