�4m 'green' energy fund announced

London's mayor Boris Johnson wants to cut carbon emissions by 60% by 2025

A "green fund" has been announced which aims to kick-start a low carbon economy for the capital.

The £4m cash boost, announced by City Hall, aims to "pump prime" energy efficiency measures to cut carbon emissions across London.

The fund will mainly help public sector bodies such as NHS Trusts and councils to install solar panels, boiler upgrades and cooling equipment.

Cash is expected to become available from April next year.

It is hoped it will encourage millions of pounds of private investment to help develop carbon-cutting infrastructure and meet the mayor's 60 per cent carbon reduction target by 2025.

Martin Powell, from the London Development Agency, said: "We are developing a range of schemes to unlock the potential carbon savings available to organisations and business operating in the capital.

"It is hoped that this green fund will act as a catalyst for organisations to retrofit their building stock, saving on business costs and carbon emissions."

A study commissioned by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson earlier this year reckoned that a low carbon economy could create up to 15,000 jobs and contribute £600m a year to London's economy by 2025.