Lambeth’s support paves the way for climate tech innovation, calling for greater council involvement
The company behind Europe’s largest climate technology hub has called on London’s councils to increase their investment in green start-ups to drive forward sustainable innovation. This initiative has gained significant traction through a shared workspace located in County Hall, directly opposite the Houses of Parliament. The facility was established with a £1.45 million investment from Lambeth Council and opened in July 2023, quickly reaching 97% capacity.
Sustainable Ventures, the organisation managing the space, provides expert guidance and grants to green tech start-ups. Thanks to an additional £3.4 million from Big Issue Invest, the hub has quickly become Europe’s largest climate tech cluster, accommodating over 100 start-ups. Notable among them are ENSO, a finalist in the 2023 Earthshot Prize for creating low-emission electric vehicle tyres, and Packamama, which manufactures innovative, energy-efficient flat wine bottles.
In October 2023, the Prince of Wales visited the facility, praising it as a demonstration of the power of focused efforts towards sustainability. Sustainable Ventures’ managing partner, Andrew Wordsworth, acknowledged Lambeth Council’s pivotal role in the success of the hub, describing it as a “gold standard” in climate tech partnerships. Wordsworth also encouraged other councils to adopt similar sustainability strategies and create green job opportunities, urging them to follow Lambeth’s lead.
The workspace itself is a model of sustainability, crafted with eco-friendly materials such as lamp shades made from discarded coffee cups and panels made from waste beetroot and orange peel. These efforts reflect Lambeth’s commitment to fostering a green economy, with council member Dr Jacqui Dyer noting that the partnership has brought significant growth and investment opportunities to the borough.
Lambeth was the first London borough to declare a climate emergency in January 2019, and its green initiatives have since become a model for other councils. The borough aims to become a net-zero compatible organisation by 2030, with goals that include insulating all council-owned homes and ensuring that 100% of energy used in council buildings comes from renewable sources.
On a broader scale, Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a Green Finance Fund, offering up to £500 million for projects that contribute to London’s net-zero goals. One of the recipients of this funding is the solar membrane installation at London Stadium in the Olympic Park, a key step towards meeting the capital’s sustainability targets.
