A £250,000 fund has been set up to help a range of sustainable initiatives across Croydon as the council works to make it London’s greenest borough.
The funding opportunity was announced at Croydon’s first Sustainability Summit, where more than 200 guests discussed opportunities and chances to make the borough a greener place.
Schoolchildren, residents, businesses and partner organisations were in the audience as councillor Muhammad Ali, deputy cabinet member for environment, transport and regeneration, announced the fund.
“We want Croydon to become London’s greenest borough and are working hard to make everything we do more sustainable.
“This has included creating School Streets, installing electric vehicle charging points, making it easier to cycle and make other sustainable journeys and a whole host more.
“The fund will help our communities make themselves more sustainable, helping preserve the planet for future generations.”
Councillor Stuart King, cabinet lead for environment and transport
Special guests included Krept from hit rap duo Krept and Konan who spoke about their start in Croydon and the changes they have made to make their restaurant more sustainable.
The day featured two panel discussions including guests from a range of businesses and non-governmental organisations promoting sustainability, politicians and senior council officers.
The audience were asked to think about what could be done to help make Croydon more sustainable and make their own personal pledges.
The pledges will feed into a report to see how Croydon could be made more sustainable.
Feedback from the event will be used to shape criteria for the newly-announced fund with further details and the application process set to become available in the near future.
“We are facing a climate emergency not just in Croydon but across the entire globe.
“We need to work together, as a community, a nation and a planet. In Croydon we are committed to doing anything we can to make the borough more sustainable and improve the environment for our children and future generations.”
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the council
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, said: “It is great to see Croydon’s ambitious sustainability plans bringing together businesses, residents and the community to discuss solutions to creating more liveable places, healthy environments, and a strong and fair local economy.”
