Developed in collaboration with a working group consisting of 21 London boroughs, the commitment includes targets to reduce carbon emissions per plate by 38% by 2030 and reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, aligning with the goals outlined in the Mayor of London’s environment strategy.
Hounslow joins Hackney, Newham, and Lambeth councils in signing the commitment, which is part of London Councils’ One World Living programme.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Hounslow council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for climate, environment and transport, said: “As one of the founding signatories of ‘the Commitment’, we’re proud to help pave the way towards more sustainable, circular food systems in London.
“The council is pledging to ensure that food bought across council-controlled services – including schools, social services, and early years settings – takes into account any impact on our climate and environment.
“We’ll work to reduce per plate carbon emissions across the borough, and welcome other local authorities throughout London to join us in creating a capital city where food is sustainably produced, and never wasted.”
Commitment
Hounslow Council serves approximately 100,000 meals each year through council-controlled services, such as schools, nurseries, and community food and drink hubs. By supporting the commitment, the council aims to make a significant impact in achieving its net-zero and consumption-based emissions targets.
This commitment by Hounslow Council complements its ongoing initiatives to reduce food waste and promote sustainability within the borough. The council has already launched the No Time to Waste recycling campaign and the Heston In The Loop circular neighbourhood demonstrator.
It also outlines its targets to ensure that the food purchased and served across council-controlled services is climate-friendly, minimises waste, and supports local and sustainable food producers and growers. It also establishes a reporting framework to measure the resulting emissions and waste reductions.
‘Net-Zero’
Rachel Shairp, food lead at ReLondon, said: “The London boroughs of Hackney, Hounslow, Lambeth and Newham are driving the shift towards a low carbon, healthy and fair food system in London. As the four founding signatories of London’s Food Purchasing Commitment, they are leading by example and illustrating responsibility to their residents and other stakeholders. All of London’s local authorities and large food procurers are invited to sign the commitment, and we look forward to seeing additional commitments to support food system transformation.”
Food Poverty
Food is responsible for nearly 10% of London’s consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to the types of food consumed, production methods, and the amount of waste generated. Approximately 2.3 million tonnes of food are wasted in the city each year, with 67% of it being edible and only 0.5% being redistributed.
Food poverty is a growing concern in London, with an estimated 1.5 million adults experiencing low or very low food security. Ensuring access to healthy, climate-friendly, and nature-friendly food for communities is crucial.
Hounslow council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and committed to taking bold action to reduce its carbon footprint. The council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan outlines measures aimed at achieving a zero-carbon borough by 2030.
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