London's first carbon zero fire station

The London Fire Brigade has unveiled it's first ever carbon zero station

The site in Walthamstow is now powered by solar panels, but when this doesn't provide enough electricity, the station runs on electricity from 100% renewable sources.

All gas boilers and gas powered water heaters have been removed and LED lighting has also been installed.

The Brigade has also recently been awarded funding of around £1.4 million from the UK Government through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to undertake similar work at five more fire stations by the end of 2024.

Paul Cook, Carbon Reduction Strategy Manager at London Fire Brigade, said:

“We are really proud to have made Walthamstow Fire Station carbon net zero to support the Mayor of London’s net zero 2030 target. The project has not come without its challenges, but crucially, it has proven that we can reduce the Brigade’s dependency on gas.

“But we see this as the first step in a long journey and we have another 102 fire stations to move this forward to which we are planning for now.

“However, the trial at Walthamstow has enabled the Brigade to develop a comprehensive carbon net zero strategy which, with the funding to replicate these changes across the estate, means we can become carbon net zero by 2030, helping London to become a cleaner and greener city.”

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, said:

“I was delighted to visit the capital’s first-ever carbon net zero fire station in Walthamstow. London Fire Brigade is leading the way with new green technology thanks to investment and continued support from the Mayor of London to help modernise and transform the Brigade.

“Our emergency services have an important role to play in helping our city achieve the Mayor’s target for London to be a net zero carbon city by 2030. By using renewable energy to power vital frontline services for Londoners and better protect our environment, we can make London a greener, safer, fairer and more sustainable city for all Londoners.”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.