One of LUC’s planners, Emma Luke, spoke at the Green Infrastructure Partnership annual conference last week, alongside speakers from Defra, NERC and Groundwork. Emma showcased the multiple new green features which have now been delivered in central London, following our GI Audits for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

From street trees and pocket parks in Victoria, to living walls and rain gardens in Paddington, the opportunities we identified to increase green cover are really starting to take shape. This contributes to the Mayor’s target of increasing green cover in central London by 5% by 2030, as well as ameliorating storm water flooding and air pollution and enhancing streets for enjoyment by residents and workers alike.

Businesses also feel the economic benefits of enhancing their environment, including through sales, staff wellbeing and public image as demonstrated by the London Metropolitan University/University of York study of Victoria BID for Defra.

The conference was well-attended, (despite clashing with the England v Wales game) and ended with an interesting talk by Dr William Bird MBE on new research demonstrating benefits of natural space for the health of all.

Photo credit: We Are Waterloo