Last night, Southwark Council’s Executive launched  our pioneering plans to create one of the UK’s greenest multi-use energy schemes as part of the £1.5bn regeneration of the Elephant & Castle.

We agreed to look for a partner a scheme, which will create an unprecedented sustainable infrastructure by establishing a Multi Utilities Services Company (MUSCo).   

We have always said the regeneration should see no increase in carbon emissions, despite a 270% increase in floor space. 

We want the MUSCo to provide locally generated heat, cooling and electricity for the thousands of extra homes and businesses. 

But we want to go beyond Combined Heat and Power and provide green water for toilet flusing  as well as connecting the entire development with a fibre optic cable network for residents and businesses.  

The scheme will set new standards in green development and goes way beyond anything we have previously seen in the
UK.   

A number of European cities like Stockholm and Cophenhagen have successful schemes already in place. This is our chance to put the right infrastructure in place before we build new homes at the Elephant. 

I am increasingly of the view that if we are serious about cutting our carbon emissions - and let’s not forget that they have risen year on year under this Government - we are going to have to have a sustained programme of replacing our existing, energy inefficient, housing stock. 

I want the Elephant scheme to show that building new homes and businesses can be compatible with protecting the environment  - in fact it is  critical to achieving the kind of cuts in carbon emissions we need.