The London Sustainable Development Commission's London Leaders programme newsletter
Welcome to the first issue of 'London Leading' the London Leaders programme newsletter. The London Sustainable Development Commission (LSDC) and the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone launched London Leaders in October 2007. Our 15 Leaders from across London's sectors and communities have been charged with the task of inspiring other Londoners to create a more sustainable city and its been an exciting few months since the programme launch. Already the power of collective thinking and action is heralding innovative projects and partnerships that we hope will demonstrate how a sustainable London brings social, environmental and economic benefits to all. I hope you'll join us in the coming months, watching the work of the London Leaders, supporting their projects and perhaps even becoming a London Leader.
Thank you for your support.
June Barnes
Chair, London Sustainable Development Commission
 
The Mayor of London Ken Livingstone and the 15 London Leaders at the launch.
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Michaela Crimmin
The Big Arts Day - celebrating a creative approach to sustainability
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"The challenge to the London Leaders to demonstrate sustainability in action, has meant that something which has been at the back of my mind for over a year suddenly seems feasible. The aim is to demonstrate the resolve and gathering momentum within the arts sector to address the challenges, which London, and indeed the world, is facing.
The idea is an Arts Day to raise awareness of the constructive initiatives already taking place across the arts. We want to show Londoners examples of their city's galleries and museums, performing arts spaces and individual artists who are taking practical steps to tread more lightly on the planet.
We want to demonstrate the inspiration and imagination of artists, which are complementing and adding new perspectives to the scientific facts and the political mandates on climate change. We want to act as a catalyst - encouraging organisations and artists who are interested, to contribute.
One of the fundamental aspects of an Arts Day is that it will only work if people come together, with generosity. Already we are establishing a collective approach and initial conversations have been met immediately with exactly the constructive response that we are going to need.
I am working with Joe Oliver, another London Leader and director of Bash Creations. I bring my experience of running Arts & Ecology and the support of the RSA; Joe brings his knowledge and energy and the creativity of his young organisation.
Please let us know if you are interested in finding out more or joining forces with us - big or small, we'd love to hear from you."
Michaela Crimmin, January 2008
michaela.crimmin@rsa.org.uk |
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As Principal of Kings College London, Rick's commitment was to host a public policy symposium on sustainability and on 23rd January, Kings hosted 'Achieving Sustainable Air Quality for London'. Attended by academics, policy officers and businesses from across London, the event profiled London's current response to improving air quality in the context of the global challenge.
Also in February Universities UK published 'Greening Spires'. With a foreword from Rick as the current President, the challenge is now taking this agenda forward within London - watch this space! |
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The London Sustainable Development Commission launched its new look website in October. See why sustainability is so important to our London Leaders by downloading their personal video clips.
The website also hosts a wealth of tools and reports that can help you understand and communicate sustainability more effectively. Use our new 'Discover Virtuous Cycle Thinking' roadmap to access support for implementing an integrated approach to sustainability within your organisation or community. |
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On 5th March, BASH Creations hosted a Green Gala Night at the pioneering Arcola to celebrate the theatre's first sustainable production, Simple8's The Living Unknown Soldier.
This groundbreaking production is developing new ways of theatre making, using LED lighting and a hydrogen fuel cell to power the production and working closely with Arcola Energy to transform the venue and its café-bar into an environmentally sustainable home for audiences and playmakers.
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