As COP26 makes headlines, Chief Executive of Team London Bridge Nadia Broccardo takes stock of this BID’s sustainability goals and looks ahead to the future, writes Anna Turns.

“We’ve only got one opportunity to get this right and the time is now,” states Nadia Broccardo, unequivocally. The Chief Executive of Team London Bridge hopes that this month’s UN’s climate conference, COP26, will not only bring attention to the most serious sustainability issue of our time but also offer valuable opportunities to learn some positive lessons from around the world.

“Our ambition has always been to make a real difference in our area by creating hyperlocal projects and services that businesses can really benefit from and that translate into deliverables,” says Broccardo. “Learning from others is a really important part of that process and working as part of a BID is a very good way of sharing best practice.”

Since Team London Bridge began in 2006, the BID (business improvement district) has evolved and progressed. Innovative projects have transformed derelict back streets into wildlife havens and you’d notice the bee and bug hotels at Gibbon’s Rent and Snowsfields Primary School or the huge living wall on the Orchard-Isle building within the King’s College London campus. Fleets of e-cargo bikes are used to deliver parcels, food supplies and even blood donations, resulting in quieter, safer roads and cleaner air. As a starting block for a more circular economy facilitated by Paper Round’s comprehensive waste scheme, bright orange bins encourage people to recycle their paper coffee cups, while portable Fresh Air Square parklets brighten up public spaces and encourage biodiversity in disused corners of the city. These clever solutions are all very evident at street level.

A Cargo Bikes passes the Tooley Street Triangle

So much has been achieved. But the next phase isn’t so tangible. It’s harder to grasp. In fact, it’s invisible. “Our next step is to start making a dent in the carbon impacts and we have to find a way to reduce carbon emissions,” explains Broccardo. So as the world faces its biggest challenge yet, this neighbourhood is working towards becoming carbon net zero by 2030. There’s no time to wait for leadership that will prioritise global sustainability, according to Broccardo but she hopes COP26 will give people the confidence to ask for more progress and the Team London Bridge is starting to benchmark this area’s carbon footprint before setting specific targets.

In London Bridge, existing public transport links are ‘absolutely world class’ according to Broccardo, with two Underground stations, links to the South East rail network, boat links along the River Thames and 13 different bus routes, plus the extension of ULEZ, London’s ultra-low emission zone will make a big difference too. But affordable, accessible and sustainable transport is just one piece of the low-carbon jigsaw puzzle.

Infrastructure needs to play catch up and that involves a long-term strategy for urban planning and investment in strategies that futureproof properties, businesses and communities. “Tenants are starting to demand a more sustainable approach and there’s a huge groundswell movement at the moment so carbon emissions are becoming a top priority. But decarbonisation can only come from switching to renewable energy sources, massive infrastructure changes and the retrofitting of big commercial buildings which can be expensive for landlords – we haven’t nailed that one yet.”

Of course, there’s no one size fits all for sustainability. Across the mix of diverse contexts found in the London Bridge area, different solutions will be needed. But one thing’s for sure. Sustainability has to be integrated into every aspect of a business, project or supply chain and it has always been a key consideration for the businesses contributing an additional levy to participate in this BID. “We have been focusing on this environmental agenda right from the start in 2006, we look to the UN’s sustainable development goals and we think about the people, place and planet aspects of every project,” says Broccardo who explains how the landscape has changed in the past 15 years. “The Shard has been built, London Bridge station was redeveloped, there has been a lot of regeneration and we have been greening up the spaces in between the office buildings too – those places that no one else was really prioritising – by incorporating everything from sustainable drainage to biodiversity.”

So while world leaders convene in Glasgow, Team London Bridge will be taking note and reimagining a greener, more sustainable future for this urban microcosm. “That’s the beauty of dealing in the micro environment – people have got the opportunity to get to know their neighbours and many want to give up their time and energy to get involved. As a BID, we can harness that. We can make the changes internally and then replicate that elsewhere but hopefully we will soon start seeing carbon emission reductions and true positive outcomes from a global perspective too.”

Despite the sense of urgency, Broccardo is optimistic that solutions can be implemented before it’s too late, and that radical progress is what everyone really wants: “We’re at a critical time - it’s the will of the people that’s really pushing us forward.”

To find out more about sustainability in London Bridge get in touch with Jack Skillen jack@teamlondonbridge.co.uk

The Time is Now