Londoners say being green is too expensive - poll

Almost three-quarters of Londoners have said the cost of living crisis is making it difficult to buy greener heating or energy options for the home.

A poll commissioned by London Councils revealed that residents in the capital want to help prevent climate change, but say cost is a barrier.

Some surveyed said heat pumps, solar panels and home insulation were too expensive.

London Councils said insulating homes saved money for owners in the long run.

Labour councillor Kieron Williams, London Councils' executive member for climate change, transport and environment, said: "It is sobering to see that the ongoing cost of living crisis prevents Londoners from taking action on issues that are important to them, such an investing in climate action."

While the poll showed 73% of Londoners said the cost of living crisis had made it more difficult for them to go green, 68% had grown more concerned about climate change over the past 12 months.

London Councils, which represents London's 32 borough councils and the City of London, said steps were being taken to make social housing greener.

Individual councils were also using planning powers to incentivise developers to make newly-built homes energy efficient by design.

London boroughs were installing more electric vehicle (EV) charge points to encourage people to switch to greener forms of transport, the cross-party group added.

Mr Williams said: "As COP28 begins and the world gathers to drive urgent solutions to the climate crisis, we must recognise that realising our climate goals will only be possible if everyone plays their part.

"Decision makers in London boroughs, national government and businesses must harness this motivation to bring in a new sustainable way of living that drives the green economy."

London Councils said boroughs had recently invested £2m in the next phase of London Councils' Climate Programme, which aims to reduce carbon emissions, as well as improve air quality.

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