NWEC air quality

Air quality strategy for London’s West End

Air quality strategy for London’s West End

Air pollution is a problem for London’s West End. New West End Company’s Air Quality Strategy sets out steps to help members improve local air quality, with the goal of reducing air pollution caused by businesses by 10 per cent and reduce commercial vehicle trips across the district by 40 per cent by 2020.

Script

London’s West End attracts millions of visitors each year to its famous shops, restaurants and theatres.

With an annual turnover of £8.8 billion and 150,000 employees, it's a great place to visit, and a great place to do business.

But it could be even better.

Air pollution is a problem across the capital, but it's particularly an issue for London’s West End.

Just take Oxford Street. In the first four days of 2015, the world renowned shopping destination exceeded  EU set limits for nitrogen dioxide emissions for the entire year.

That's not only a risk to health but it also damages the trading environment.

Which is why something needs to be done NOW.

Our first ever Air Quality Strategy sets out how we will help our members step up efforts across 12 key areas, including the creation of living walls and planted roofs, improving cycle-friendliness, and reducing the number of delivery vehicles on our streets.

All these actions will improve local air quality.

Green wall installations in streets surrounded by high buildings can reduce particulate matter by 23% and provide a more attractive environment for visitors and employees.

Supplier consolidation on Bond Street has already led to a 75% reduction in waste collection vehicles and is saving businesses 25% on their waste and recycling collection charges annually.

Businesses operating ultra-low emission fleets will avoid daily charges of £12.50 when the Ultra Low Emission Zone arrives in 2020

We are launching an online assessment tool to help businesses identify the areas they can improve and track what progress they are making.

Our aim is to significantly reduce air pollution by 2020.

We want to reduce air pollution caused by businesses by 10 per cent and reduce commercial vehicle trips across the district by 40 per cent by 2020.

And we believe that together, with a business-led call to action, this is achievable.

Reducing air pollution will help make the West End’s retail district the world’s first choice place for shoppers, retailers and investors.

That can only be a good thing for business.

Will you join us?