39. 26-01-21 Climate Action Livery Seminar

It was an honour to be asked to present at tonight’s Climate Action Livery Seminar, on behalf of the Water Conservators Company and representing our trade. The event was led by Alderman Alison Gowman and hosted by the Engineers Company. Professor Gordon Masterton, Master of the Engineers Company introduced the evening and Alderman Alison Gowman then gave a key note speech. This was followed by 4 presentations to demonstrate both climate action activities undertaken to date by livery companies and potential areas for future focus.

John Clink, Clerk to the Merchant Taylors talked about work he was undertaking at the Merchant Taylors Hall to make the company more energy efficient, and then Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, Past Master of the Guild of Investment Managers spoke about the need to ensure that livery company investment portfolios were aligned with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. Anthony Bickmore of the Wax Chandler’s Company introduced the Citizen Science project designed to enable schools to get involved with increased biodiversity and helping to pollinate London.

Finally, I spoke about how climate change may impact on the water sector and how that links with the City’s Climate Action Strategy. For the water sector actions fall into 2 areas, firstly, in achieving net zero emissions through increased energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources such as biogas and solar panels. Secondly, in providing resilience to climate change through increased flood protection, Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes (SUDS), and water efficiency. As an example of work to date I spoke about our part in the City of London’s Plastic Free City Campaign, in particular the need to reduce the use of plastic water bottles, which have a high carbon footprint, with the introduction of 10 new fountains in the City and support for the refill campaign.

After a question and answer session, attendees were then split into breakout rooms to discuss various aspects of the Climate Action Strategy. There were over 200 attendees at the event representing over 50 livery companies. I was really pleased to see that 19 Water Conservators attended the event, the third highest of the companies represented, a splendid achievement for our membership size.