London,
16
November
2016
|
12:41
Europe/London

Businesses come together to tackle poor air quality

930 businesses in Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets, have now joined ZEN City Fringe, a network of local companies working together to improve air quality.

Hundreds of members came together at an annual event which showcases everything that the network has to offer - from electric cars, bikes, and scooters to food and drinks transported and served from cargo bikes.

Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville formally announced the opening the of the City Fringe Low Emissions Neighbourhood. He said: “This project will see this area transformed into an example of everything that London should be striving for. People friendly streets, prioritising low emissions transport and most importantly, clean air.”

Client Earth and Simon Birkett from Clean Air in London spoke to update businesses and residents on the work they have been doing to hold the government to account on the poor air quality that blights London. Attendees also heard from Accenture who explained the importance of sustainability to their business, Drive Now demonstrated their latest developments in the car sharing market, Buzzbike presented their innovative new cycle scheme and Calverts finished proceedings with an explanation of how the Zero Emissions Network had benefitted their business.

ZEN City Fringe offers tailored advice, free trials of electric vehicles and cargo bikes, energy consultation and supply chain solutions. Businesses that take part will help the local environment, boost their green credentials, comply with the latest environmental legislation and set themselves apart from their competitors with forward-thinking sustainable business practice.

Funded by the Mayor of London, the City Fringe Low Emissions Neighbourhood will include tree planting, an emphasis on walking and cycling with improved pavements and cycle routes, and parking spaces for the sole use of the cleanest vehicles.

Photos by Oliver Eglin.