Tower Hamlet’s Council’s award winning Zero Emissions Network (ZEN) hosted a daytime pop-event on Wednesday in Brick Lane. The event involved a display of electric cars, cargo bikes and bike mechanics.
The council has partnered with the London boroughs of Hackney and Islington to deliver the ZEN project since 2013. It is operated by the council’s Environmental Health team. The project aims to improve air quality by encouraging businesses to use lower emission energy and travel options to help improve the environment and save money.
ZEN is operated in the Spitalfields and Banglatown and Weavers wards – part of the City Fringe area – and the project has exceeded expectations. The area was chosen due to the large number of high tech and creative small to medium sized businesses. The initial target was to sign up 225 businesses – but the project has been so successful that 400 businesses are now on board.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said: “The Zero Emissions Network has been recognised nationally as it is improving local air quality. It is helping the whole borough become cleaner and healthier for all who live, work and visit here.”
Cllr Shahed Ali, Cabinet Member for Clean and Green, added: “This project helps businesses reduce their NO2 levels and saves them money. The ZEN continues to make Tower Hamlets better for all our residents.”
ZEN recently won the top prize in the Special Judges Award for Community Innovation at the National Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards.