Sunday’s Cycle East event was just the tip of Hackney’s environmental initiative. As the Arcola Theatre picks up national awards for its innovative outlook, Hackney is taking steps as a borough to improve its ecological status.
In fact, Hackney has the lowest carbon emissions in London.
Just last year the borough became one of the first to introduce a carbon trading scheme, two years before the Government’s official Carbon Reduction Commitment comes into effect. It was also one of the first councils to introduce compulsory recycling and parking permits based on engine pollution levels.
But it is down to the energy and enthusiasm of the people who live and work in the borough that Hackney is enjoying a reputation for leading all things green. Try to cross any road and you will almost certainly be met by a flurry of cyclists dashing by while buses are normally rammed full of adults and children alike.
All this is before even taking into account the Arcola Theatre, with its hydrogen energy cell and ambition of achieving carbon neutrality. As well as the number of residents actively involved in organisations such as Hackney Green Drinks and the new Hackney Environment Forum, which meets for the first time this Saturday.
But this is no time to become complacent. The Olympics raises new challenges such as the potential loss of open space such as in Arena Field, White Hart Field and East Marsh. Some areas of Hackney have just 5 per cent green space already, causing not only a problem for the environment, but also for the communities who live there. The people most likely to lose out are the borough’s youth who do not always get the start in life they deserve.
It is in everyone’s interests to make sure the new Olympic developments regenerate Hackney in a way which preserves existing space and provides new recreational opportunities. It will be a test of people’s green commitment to ensure the games are beneficial to both the environment and the borough’s community.
Image taken from hoxtonchina on Flickr.
