Building emissions will be tackled in the zones, with programmes to roll out insulation for homes, retrofitting energy efficient devices, setting up locally generated renewable energy schemes and carrying out energy and carbon assessments to work out existing carbon footprints and how best to reduce them.

Existing zones have been established in Barking, Wembley, Elephant & Castle and Mitcham.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson announced this week that his office plans to deliver six more by 2012 as well as building upon the success of those which are already up and running.

“Soaring oil prices have proved the case for energy efficiency is a no-brainer making sense both financially and in terms of protecting our quality of life in the future,” he said.

“Today I have committed to deliver ten flagship ‘green energy’ zones across London which will provide locally produced, less polluting and less wasteful energy to fuel households and businesses in these areas.

“This will be achieved by working hand in hand with organisations such as the Energy Saving Trust, British Gas and EDF Energy. Together we will be able to cut energy bills for these communities showing others what can be achieved, and help the capital meet a target of a 60% cut in carbon emissions by 2025.

“These zones will drive creativity and innovation helping to secure London’s reputation as a city at the forefront of the battle to cut the wasteful use of energy which is causing climate change.”

The location of the new zones has yet to be decided and Mr Johnson gave a commitment that Londoners would be involved in the selection.

Work on the first new zone is expected to begin early next year.

Sam Bond

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