How TfL plans to further boost sustainability and resilience

Key actions also include how TfL is adapting to climate change, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent, and protecting and enhancing green infrastructure, which can help provide shade and shelter alongside supporting biodiversity and increasing public health and wellbeing. These include: 

• Building flood resilience with at least 10,000m² of additional Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) every year to 2035. SuDS slow the flow of rainwater into London’s drainage networks and waterways and help to prevent flooding. Current improvement works as part of the A23 Streatham Hill scheme will deliver 17,000m² of SuDS catchment, alongside making it easier, safer and more pleasant for people to walk and cycle in the area 
• Boosting biodiversity by maintaining 520,000m² of wildflower verges, having already greatly expanded the amount on TfL’s estate, while supporting clean and healthy waterways, protecting nature and our health and wellbeing.

“The impact of the climate emergency is becoming increasingly apparent and we need to work together at pace to take the action that’s needed to adapt our city and network, mitigating any risks”

Actions like this will help TfL still run a safe and reliable service, complementing other measures, such as the introduction of the new Piccadilly line trains, which will be air-conditioned and more energy efficient. The updated plan also includes how TfL will take further steps to decarbonise the transport network, propelling the capital towards net zero, including: 

• Transitioning TfL’s fleet to zero emission to help drive down carbon emissions – beyond the third of London’s buses, which are already zero emission at tailpipe
• New solar installations connecting directly into the Underground, alongside future renewables contracts via the National Grid, helping to slash carbon emissions and build energy security 
• Supporting the delivery of new EV charging points, both through new charging bays and charging hubs. TfL is working with EV charge point operators, Zest and Total Energies, to bring forward new rapid and ultra-rapid EV charging bays across the capital, while Places for London, TfL’s wholly owned property company, has partnered with EV charging hub operator Fastned to develop several new EV ultra-rapid charging hubs.

“The climate crisis is on our doorstep, and is already disrupting vital services and costing our economy hundreds of millions of pounds,” said Mete Coban, deputy mayor of London for Environment and Energy.

“That is why it is encouraging to see TfL unveiling its updated Corporate Environment Plan, setting out further action to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change. 

“The mayor and I will continue to work with TfL to deliver more resilient, reliable and sustainable transport services across London as we build a greener, more sustainable capital for everyone.”