£2.7 million for eco-makeovers in London

The funding comes as part of the Mayor of London’s RE:FIT climate programme, which helps public organisations to give their buildings an energy efficiency overhaul.

The funding can be used for energy efficiency measures such as installing solar panels, insulation and smart metres.

The cash boost follows a successful bid to the European Investment Bank’s Elena (European Local Energy Assistance) fund for a grant of Euro 2.8m (approximately £2.4m). The Mayor will also provide an additional 320,000 Euros (£270,000) for the programme.

Using the ready-to-use RE:FIT model, organisations can choose a contractor from a pre-vetted list that will offer a guaranteed energy saving upfront, allowing the organisation to pay back costs using the predicted fuel bill savings.

So far 42 GLA group buildings have benefited from the programme, including police, fire and Transport for London.

RE:FIT, developed by the London Development Agency (LDA), has now been adopted by the University of London, Newham University Hospital and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Waltham Forest PCT.

The London Development Agency is also liaising with public sector organisations outside of London which wish to use the framework.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Londoners will now benefit from hundreds of public buildings, many at the heart of their communities, becoming more energy efficient.

“These eco-makeovers will help organisations conserve precious public funds at a time when every extra penny counts.”

Alison Brown