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The Mayor of London's plans to cut energy and tackle climate change could bring 10-15,000 jobs and contribute £600m a year to the capital's economy by 2025, according to a report published on Sunday, 29th March.

The report, by Ernst and Young, outlines for the first time the massive economic boost and job opportunities for London and the UK if it positions itself at the forefront of a low carbon economy. The report, which was commissioned by the London Development Agency, bases its figures on the Mayor’s existing plans to make buildings more energy efficient, build waste and recycling plants, introduce low carbon vehicles and the building of a decentralised energy network across London.

London already has some key strengths in this new green economy sector - it is currently the leading centre for carbon trading globally, has 75 AIM listed clean tech companies alongside 14 universities and 80 university departments focused on climate change research and development. This report shows there is big economic value if London continues to build on its existing strengths. However competition to attract and keep green businesses in the capital from cities and countries across the world is increasing rapidly and London and the UK will need to take action now if they are to retain its leading edge.

The Mayor Boris Johnson said: ‘I see the green economy as an unprecedented opportunity not only to improve our planet and our quality of life, but to develop new industries and create new jobs in an economic climate that is otherwise extremely difficult. There are clear opportunities for London to create jobs and wealth by pursuing programmes to save energy and cut carbon. This report shows the capital is uniquely placed to become a leading low carbon city with all the economic benefits that would bring. I am determined that London emerges in the best possible position from the downturn and I'm taking every step required to do so. We are already making our own buildings more energy efficient saving £1 million per year. These kinds of things will not only stimulate our economy, but also help to contribute to global efforts to make the changes needed to become a less carbon belching society.’

A number of countries – the US, China and Germany - have announced economic stimulus packages that include a low carbon focus. Other cities such as Singapore, Stockholm, Toronto and Tokyo are also positioning themselves to lead as a low carbon centre. For example, Singapore is offering a mix of tax incentives and direct capital investment to target clean technology funds. The report concludes that London can rise to this challenge, if national, regional and local government and the private sector create the right tax, financial and planning conditions to seize this opportunity. The report also suggests the setting up of a Low Carbon Task Force in London by the Mayor to take forward this work.

Peter Bishop, London Development Agency Director for Design, Development and Environment, said: ’Establishing London as the leading low carbon city is an ambitious but feasible aspiration.

‘By responding to climate change, we can attract major long-term investment, create new jobs and address the needs of some of the most vulnerable Londoners through our new energy efficiency programmes. This is one of the LDA's most important priorities.’

James Close, Partner, Ernst & Young, said: ‘This report illustrates that the potential scale of low carbon investment provides a real opportunity for London. Our analysis suggests that London is well placed to compete for inward investment which, when combined with the carbon reduction programmes, provides the opportunity to establish London as the Low Carbon Capital.’

The Mayor published his Economic Recovery Action Plan last December which is a practical package of measures designed to help businesses and Londoners through the recession and to ensure that London is prepared to take full advantage of the eventual upturn. These include the GLA group providing at least 1,000 apprenticeships a year until 2012, as well as work placement opportunities, and ensuring a continued focus on training and up-skilling of the London workforce.