Sian Berry

Sian Berry writes:

Extend the free home insulation scheme to everyone who needs it. Solar electricity and heating on 100,000 roofs in Greater London by 2015. Ensure all new developments that the Mayor has direct control over are carbon neutral. Use planning powers to introduce a 'renewables escalator' for new buildings - requiring progressively higher proportions of locally-produced renewable energy. Low cost loans and paperwork help for householders who want to install renewable energy. Cut emissions from buildings by introducing a street-by-street programme across the whole of London to deliver energy improvements. Follow Green Homes Service with Green Schools Service to provide advice, expertise and support for emissions reduction in London's schools. Step-up the Mayor's Climate Change Action Plan reduction target to 85% by 2025. Bring in investment to fund the creation of a decentralised energy network across London. This could operate on a similar basis to the funding of transport infrastructure, where the Mayor can raise capital for major work through issuing bonds. Skills training for Londoners to manufacture, install and maintain green energy systems. Switch to cleaner vehicles, reduce traffic and promote massive increase in walking and cycling. Make it easier for householders to gain planning permission for small-scale renewables. Oppose airport expansion and promote reduction in flying.. New development on "brown-field" land only - subject to biodiversity audit. Strong enforcement of a veto on new out-of-town retail developments and the introduction of a presumption against private parking for new retail developments. Defence and expansion of London's green spaces - by opposing environmentally damaging planning proposals and employing well-trained managers to improve biodiversity. A major tree-planting scheme to ensure street trees in every street. Use planning powers to promote green/living roofs. All new waterside developments to incorporate public access to the water front, to create continuous waterside pathways, and allow cycle riding where it is safe to do so. Greens encourage the greater use of canals for freight transport and leisure, but not where that would have an adverse impact on ecology or archaeology, or cause foreshore erosion. All riverside developments to encourage biodiversity and enhance the riverside landscape. Adopt a London Zero Waste strategy, to minimize waste and maximize recycling, with targets for completing key stages. Work to end incineration in London and invest in new sustainable waste technology to create renewable energy. Support the recycling industry, including paper-recycling mills, electronics recycling, plastics recycling plants, and re-use/refurbishment plants - all creating new green jobs.