As a different perspective on the traditional Black Friday shopping day that encourages people to consume, the Kensa Group and Merlin Entertainments will turn the London Eye green as a symbol of the UK’s aspirations for a greener, cleaner future.
The London Eye is a zero-carbon electric facility and will be turned green using 100 per cent LED lighting creating an iconic symbol of the impact of embracing sustainability. This includes the transition to zero emissions electric vehicles (EVs).
As the cost-of-living crisis converges with the climate crisis, Kensa and Merlin are calling for everyone in society to collaborate to help secure a greener and more positive future.
Leading ground source heat pump manufacturer and networked heat pump installer, the Kensa Group has launched a plan to help the UK reach net zero by 2050. This is through the rapid decarbonisation of heating and cooling with networked heat pumps.
The plan was delivered at the House of Commons on Thursday 24 November to an audience of MPs, government bodies and other influential individuals. It was asking them to work together and take action to make ‘Great Britain Green’.
The plan will:
- deliver affordable heating for the masses
- drastically reduce carbon emissions
- significantly improve air quality
- boost British manufacturing
- create almost 1 million jobs
- improve the nation’s energy security
- reduce reliance on exposure to foreign markets
- reduce demand on the electricity grid
- be achieved for the lowest societal cost and least investment
Dr Matt Trewhella, Kensa Group CEO, said: “To become a green and Great Britain we need to think consciously about all our choices and how they can impact our progress towards net zero and support British-made goods, services and experiences.
“We need to do more to champion green growth which will help boost our economy and create thousands of green jobs right here in Britain. Green Friday is a great time for reflection and an opportunity for consumers, businesses and government to question what they are doing to help us on the road to net zero.”
As a global leader in location-based family entertainment, Merlin Entertainments – as a British company – is demonstrating how the visitor attraction sector can lead the way in protecting our planet. Sustainability is at the heart of the company’s plans for the future both in the UK and around the world.
The lastminute.com London Eye is a prime example of zero carbon electricity facility using 100 per cent LED lighting. Merlin is bringing forward plans for solar energy generation and installing electric vehicle charging in on-site car parks. Plus, ensuring new buildings and replacement equipment result in minimal energy consumption.
Mike Vallis, Merlin Entertainments divisional director for Midway UK, said: “We’re delighted to support Kensa’s reception by lighting up the London Eye. Sustainability sits at the heart of what Merlin Entertainments does.
“Our purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to millions of guests worldwide. As we expand our attractions, we recognise that reducing carbon emissions is not only the right thing to do, but it makes total business sense.
“As a global leader in location-based, family entertainment, Merlin is demonstrating how the visitor attraction sector can lead the way in protecting our planet. We’re making headway in reducing our annual worldwide carbon emissions and are determined to take this further by reducing 25 per cent by 2026 and 50 per cent by 2030.
“The Government must work with businesses to ensure the UK strengthens its energy resilience, whilst also taking steps to rapidly reduce consumption. Working together, we can accelerate this journey to a more sustainable future. A ‘Green and Great Britain’ can become the reality we all want it to be.”