EDF Energy envisions low-carbon London ahead of royal wedding

Close on the heels of making the iconic London Eye electricity-efficient, French power major EDF Energy is firming up plans to extend its low-carbon vision to the entire city of London.

The multinational corporation and Britain’s largest generator of low-carbon electricity will set the ball rolling during the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April.

Using the information recorded by its charging infrastructure in London, EDF Energy will collect valuable intelligence about the benefits gained in energy savings, reduced emissions, recharging patterns and preferences. A company spokesperson told Climate Action that EDF Energy will use “the emotional power” of mega events like the royal wedding and the 2012 Olympics to “inspire millions of people to reduce their impact on the environment by becoming more sustainable in how they live their lives”.

The green power campaign will continue well beyond the 2012 London Olympics, of which EDF is a sponsor and sustainability partner. The spokesperson said “hundreds of thousands of people” have signed up to EDF’s ‘Team Green Britain’ campaign as athlete ambassadors such as Victoria Pendleton help engage people with sustainability.

In addition, an initiative for greener schools aims to show children, teachers and parents how they can make real and measurable change to reduce their energy and water use, and the importance of biodiversity. “We already have over 11,000 schools signed up,” the spokesperson said.

Besides spreading awareness, London’s leading electricity supplier is keen to ensure the mega events themselves do not lead to excessive use of energy. “We have built the substation that will distribute electricity across the Olympic Park from sustainable materials,” the spokesperson said.

Furthermore, EDF Energy is working with the Government, transport providers, attractions and institutions to make London “more sustainable for visitors and residents alike”.
 
EDF’s low-carbon vision includes a partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to develop infrastructure for electric vehicles in London.
The company has already teamed up with automobile giants Toyota and Mercedes Benz to bring electric vehicles to both businesses and consumers in London.

Asked about EDF’s intent to make the London Eye a low-carbon attraction, the spokesperson said energy efficiency experts are currently analysing research findings to develop an action plan. “It is too early to say by how much the London Eye’s carbon footprint will be reduced. EDF Energy has guaranteed that every unit of energy used by the EDF Energy London Eye will be matched with energy generated from low-carbon sources,” he said.

He recalled that EDF Energy branding at the Eye carries a low-carbon message. Boards in the queuing area and capsules feature information on other London landmarks that are aiming to reduce their impact on the environment, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tate Modern.

Images -- courtesy, EDF Energy London Eye / Merlin