15 March 2017
Board approves new business plan to 2020
The London Waste and Recycling Board yesterday approved a new business plan at its first Board meeting under the new Chair, Dr Liz Goodwin. The new business plan covers the period 2017 – 2020 and sets out how LWARB will contribute to the Mayor of London’s ambitious challenge to reinvigorate London’s recycling efforts and accelerate the development of the circular economy in the capital. The challenges set by the Mayor are:by 2030 to achieve a 65% recycling rate for the waste from London’s residents and businesses;to realise the economic value re-use, repair, remanufacturing and materials innovation can bring to London, creating jobs and making the transition to a circular economy; andto put London on track to be a zero carbon city by 2050.
The new business plan sets out three programmes – Advance London, Circular London and Resource London – with a total programme budget, including external project and partner contributions, of around £50 million over three years.
Dr Liz Goodwin, Chair of LWARB, said:
I am determined that LWARB will continue to make a significant contribution to help London be a global leader in sustainable resource management. This business plan describes the way in which LWARB will support delivery against some challenging objectives through its pioneering programmes of work. We know that the plan and LWARB will need to be flexible and adapt as the Mayor’s policies develop, but the need for action is such that we have decided to publish this plan now.
The business plan launches a “Flats Taskforce” that will help Londoners living in blocks of flats recycle more, by designing bespoke interventions which improve access to, and raise awareness of, the diverse array of services provided to flats across the capital. LWARB will contribute £1 million to the taskforce and will be looking for partners to contribute additional income. The programme is due to start work in the summer, and will be part of continuing work by the Resource London programme – a partnership with WRAP – to drive up recycling performance across the capital.
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, said:
This dynamic business plan will help accelerate local recycling rates, boost green businesses and cut waste across London. We need to make reducing waste easier and I’m really pleased LWARB will be investigating new ways to help the thousands of Londoners living in flats gain better access to recycling facilities. It is really important to support the rapid growth of the ‘re-use and regenerate’ circular economy and help new businesses succeed in this exciting sector.
Also launched is a series of financial instruments aimed at accelerating the circular economy in London. These include a £3 million Circular Economy Accelerator programme, a £14 million circular economy venture capital fund and a £1.5 million investment into a larger circular economy business development capital fund. Details of this fund will be announced shortly.
