Westminster Abbey becomes the latest signatory to Westminster City Council’s pioneering Sustainable City Charter, aiming to reduce energy use by 20%

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Westminster Abbey is proud to be the latest organisation to join Westminster City Council’s Sustainable City Charter.

The Charter is aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the capital, from Westminster’s commercial and public buildings, theatres, restaurants, shops, universities and hotels. It is estimated these premises are responsible for nearly 60% of the borough’s total carbon emissions.

Westminster Abbey, renowned as the home of Coronations, Royal Weddings, and other significant national events, is delighted to lend its weight to the Sustainable City Charter. The Abbey has made several key commitments in signing up, including reaching net zero by 2040. Its commitments form part of the Abbey’s own detailed carbon reduction plan –as it works to achieve carbon neutrality, implementing a variety of energy efficiency measures. These include fitting low energy LED lighting and smart building management and heating systems across the estate whilst the clergy residences on site will undergo air tightness testing and retrofit improvements to improve their energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

The Abbey is also hoping to connect to the South Westminster Area Network (SWAN) – a major net zero heat network infrastructure project that will fulfil their heating needs. Development is underway with Westminster City Council and London Head Quarters working to implement the network with an expected connection date around 2034.

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The Charter has now been signed by over 80 Westminster based organisations, ranging from renowned institutions such as the National Gallery to small independent companies. Totalled up, Charter signatories occupy almost 40 million sq ft, representing c. a fifth (19%) of Westminster’s total commercial floorspace.

The Charter was launched as a joint initiative between the Council and Westminster Property Association in November 2022, as part of the City Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. It is central to the Council’s goal to be a net-zero city by 2040. The Charter sets out guidance for Westminster’s businesses and property owners to reduce operational carbon across their premises, including measures to reduce energy consumption and waste, enable sustainable forms of travel, ensure greener deliveries through the use of local suppliers and shared collection points and adopt ‘green leases’ that mandate data-sharing on energy performance.

Cllr Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member of Climate, Ecology and Culture at Westminster City Council, said:

We are under no illusions that our target of being a net-zero city by 2040 is a bold one. So having the support and buy-in from an iconic landmark such as Westminster Abbey shows not only how serious we are but no matter what size, shape or age, anyone can sign up to the charter."

The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, The Dean of Westminster, said:

Recent years have been pretty challenging in Westminster Abbey.  We have been busy and we have needed to make plans.   We know that concern for the environment is a pressing issue for us all and, very properly, it is now a priority in our strategic thinking.  We are already taking urgent steps to reduce our carbon emissions and we are delighted to stand alongside Westminster City Council in a shared commitment to sustainability.”