Simon Sturgis claimed: “I never thought that a Labour mayor of London would prove to be less progressive on climate change than a Conservative Government – and this decision just after the publication of the IPCC Report making clear the urgency of the climate emergency.”
Rather than a demolition, Simon Sturgis suggested that a comprehensive refurbishment would be a more suitable environmental choice.
However, a “heavy refurb” including retaining the facade was “not considered feasible as the embodied carbon saving would have been immaterial”.
A “light refurb” was thought to be the most beneficial in terms of “embodied carbon”.
However, it was found that over the building’s 60-year predicted lifespan, this would have been less efficient than a new-build due to the need for multiple upgrades and poor energy performance.
The GLA report stated: “On balance the buildings can be demolished.”
As a result, Westminster council said it expected to grant planning permission “in the very near future”.