URS Low Carbon Economy Report 2009

In 2009 London Councils and the Government Office for London (GOL) commissioned consultants to look into the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for London in the emerging ‘Low Carbon Economy’ ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. 

URS Corporation’s report ‘London as a Leader in the Low Carbon Economy’ was intended to support the transition to a ‘low carbon economy’, and to feed into the comprehensive London-wide ‘action plan’ that the LDA commissioned to determine London’s economic opportunities as a ‘Low Carbon Capital’. 

The move towards a low carbon economy presents significant challenges and economic opportunities for London, all associated with both mitigating and adapting to climate change.  The development of new carbon technologies for one, have proven to stimulate innovation and provide employment opportunities in new and existing green industries.  A report published in 2009 by Innovas suggested that the Low Carbon and Environmental Goods and Services market was worth £21 billion in 2007/08 in London.

This study builds on existing work by highlighting key potential economic opportunities and challenges deriving from London’s strengths, therefore enabling clear priorities to be identified.  The specific areas of focus were to:

• Identify the priorities for London in creating a low carbon economy;
• Identify the priorities for London’s economy in adapting to climate change; and
• Generate support and develop a consensus for action.

To read the full report, please download the pdf below.