As the London Development Agency's (LDA) Green Tourism for London programme marks its one year anniversary, it is already making an impact on London's carbon emissions.

Top London businesses such as The O2, ZSL London Zoo, One Aldwych, Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, Claridges, Sheraton and the London Marriott and Ramada Hotels are among those to implement their own tailor-made green action plans.

Over 100 tourism businesses have joined or expressed interest in the scheme, which helps businesses improve their environmental performance and allows tourists to choose the greenest places to visit.

Tourism businesses that have already achieved their milestones will receive their gold, silver and bronze awards at an awards ceremony and reception at World Travel Market on 12 November as part of Responsible Tourism Day.

-- Advertisement --

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "It is absolutely fantastic to see that some of London's top tourist attractions are leading the way in going green, and helping the capital to meet a 60 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2025 - well done to them.

"Becoming more energy efficient is a win-win for these businesses as it both saves money on bills and attracts a growing army of customers who are keen to spend money in places that are helping to protect our environment."

Green Tourism for London provides one-to-one advice about how businesses can reduce their energy and water bills, deal with their waste, buy environmentally friendly products and support their local communities. Gold, silver and bronze awards are presented to those businesses that achieve their targets.

Businesses that follow this advice can achieve 20 -30% savings in energy bills and can reduce the amount going to landfill by up to 50% per year.

The Green Tourism for London Reception and Awards will be at World Travel Market, Excel, on Wednesday November 12.

(JM)