London for cleantech

1. A bold ambition

The Mayor has set out an ambition for the capital to be zero carbon by 2050, alongside a transport strategy to achieve 80% of journeys to be walking, cycling or public transport by 2041, paving the way for a city with the best air quality of any major city in the world.

2. Access to capital

At the epicentre of the world’s financial and insurance markets, London is a global leader in green finance. Green bonds listed on the London Stock Exchange have raised more than £25.3bn in seven different currencies.[1]

London is also the second biggest source of capital for cleantech in the world after Silicon Valley, with VC investment that outstrips the rest of Europe.[2]

3. A place where talent thrives

London is where world-leading expertise in technology, engineering, energy, finance, legal and environmental research all converge. Two of the world’s top 50 universities for engineering and technology are in London – UCL and Imperial College London, and the city boasts more software developers than many large European countries.[3]

4. Innovative infrastructure

The city’s electric vehicle charging network is one of the biggest of any urban area and London mandates vehicle-charging infrastructure in new developments.[4]

To improve air quality, London also implemented the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), requiring most vehicles to meet new, tighter exhaust emission standards or pay a daily charge to travel within the ULEZ area.

5. Networks

London’s ecosystem consists of a wide scope of businesses, public bodies and regulators, as well as a kaleidoscope of initiatives and spaces for entrepreneurs. From Advance London to Better Futures and from Sustainable Ventures to the Centre for Cleantech Innovation, London-based startups have access to the network and support to grow and thrive.

See a snapshot of London's cleantech scene

Use the filters in the map to discover the city's ecosystem. See the full list featured on the map [PDF].