South Ken ZEN+

South Kensington – a crucible for culture, science, learning and innovation 

The South Ken Zero Emissions Nature Positive (ZEN+) Programme is an initiative of the Exhibition Road Cultural Group (ERGC), externally known as Discover South Kensington.  We bring together 22 arts and cultural institutions in South Kensington to tackle the greatest challenge of our time – the climate and biodiversity crisis. 

South Kensington is a internationally famous cultural district dedicated to science, art and innovation.  Building on this legacy of creativity and learning, the aim of South Ken ZEN+ is to harness the world-class expertise and profile of these institutions to accelerate our collective progress towards becoming a net-zero nature positive neighbourhood.    

South Ken ZEN+ Goals 

The South Ken Zen+ Programme brings together our members’ activity to enhance and speed-up efforts to cut emissions, promote sustainable practices and adapt to a rapidly changing climate. 

Our collective Goals are:

1. Become a net-zero neighbourhood before 2040
2. Reduce emissions from our operations by [50%] by 2030
3. Increase urban green space by [20%] by 2030 
4. Create a significant net gain in bio-diversity and ecological connectivity
5. Reduce waste, and recycle at least [75%] of our business waste by 2030
6. Increase sustainable and active travel for staff, students, residents and 20m+ visitors
7. Make transport for [all] our deliveries and services net zero by 2040 

         [Square brackets indicate numbers that will be reviewed and agreed in 2024]

Collaborate to Accelerate 

The South Ken ZEN+ programme helps everyone accelerate their progress towards a sustainable future.  By collaborating, sharing knowledge, research, and expertise we are showing that we can go further and faster if we together.

We also know that some of the inevitable impacts of climate change - like extreme heat and weather - are already with us.  This Programme is helping us to explore how to adapt our places and spaces to a changing climate and ensure that South Kensington continues to thrive as a place to live, work, study and visit, long into the future.