4 December 2017
London’s work towards a more sustainable future recognised by World Economic Forum.
The London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) and the Greater London Authority (GLA) were yesterday confirmed as finalists in the public sector category of The Circulars, the world’s premier circular economy award programme. The awards are open to individuals and organisations from commerce and civil society in seven distinct categories, and are designed to recognise and celebrate all facets of the circular economy movement.
LWARB and the GLA work closely on programmes to accelerate circular economy in the capital, with the goal of ensuring that London has the policies and practices in place to create a thriving, resilient city for the future. Embracing the circular economy could bring £7 billion of savings to London every year, create thousands of jobs and reduce waste by up to 60% across the capital. Progress so far includes:
• The creation of a Circular Economy Route Map with 100 practical actions to make the change;
• Setting up a programme of investment and support which will help circular economy SMEs to grow and traditional businesses to transition, through venture capital, accelerators, incubators and tailored business support; and
• Embracing circular economics across public policy and procurement.
LWARB’s chair, Dr Liz Goodwin OBE, said:
This is fantastic news for London – it’s a huge achievement for LWARB and the GLA to be finalists in The Circulars 2018. Together we’re working to create the right conditions for circular economy to flourish in London by creating an innovation and collaboration hub, supporting and investing in circular economy SMEs, developing demonstrator projects and collaborating to ensure GLA policy helps to make it all move faster.
Wayne Hubbard, LWARB’s Chief Operating Officer, said:
LWARB has been working with the GLA for a number of years and together we have created a world class programme. I’m delighted that the Circular Awards has recognised our efforts. We would like to assist other cities and governments so that they can benefit from our knowledge and experience.
Together with other public bodies, businesses, and academia across the capital, LWARB and its partners are creating an ecosystem that will enable London to become the world’s circular economy capital, and in the process pioneering a radically better outcome for London’s citizens.
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, said:
Cities are the engine room of circular economy and this is certainly true for London. We are working hard with LWARB to make London a world-leader of the circular economy movement. Being recognised by the Circulars Award 2018 is a fantastic opportunity to share our experiences with others and showcase what London has already achieved.
Now in their fourth year, The Circulars are an initiative of the World Economic Forum and the Forum of Young Global Leaders and the awards event will be held this year at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos on 22nd January 2018.
