A place-based approach to net-zero in the West Midlands: Benefits for our people and economy – 30/6/21

Date of presentation
30 June 2021

Speakers

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands
Anna Bright, Chief Executive, Sustainability West Midlands
Ravinder Lalli and John English, GBSLEP
Luke Strickland, Environment Team Lead, Mott Macdonald

Purpose of the presentations

‘A place-based approach to net zero‘ was published by the Net Zero Infrastructure Industry Coalition in March 2021, looking at how local insight, capability and connectivity can help the UK towards a better, faster, cheaper net-zero. This webinar explored the implications of the report for the West Midlands focusing on the four key pillars and how, by working in partnership, we can bring benefit to our economy and our people. Our speakers include:

Powers: Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands
- Andy highlighted how the five year climate change plans of the WMCA will benefit the region, including the opportunities associated with the Net Zero Business Pledge. He outlined the potential for further devolved powers around energy, retrofit and EV charging.
Partnerships: Anna Bright, Chief Executive at SWM
- Anna stressed the importance of cross-sector partnerships to our net zero ambitions, focusing on key organisations including local authorities, LEPs, the WMCA, the Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands, the Midlands Energy Hub, and the Midlands Engine.
People: John English and Ravinder Lalli, GBSLEP
- John and Ravinder talked about the importance of the recently commissioned research into the skills requirements for the low carbon sector as a means of supporting growth of this sector going forwards.
Platform: Luke Strickland, Environment Team Lead, Mott Macdonald
- As one of the contributing authors for the report, Luke set out how system-level data must be used to improve planning and decision making, and to track outcomes such as carbon reduction, health and economic benefits

Attendees joined breakout sessions to discuss the implications of the report and the presentations provided.

Feedback

“It’s so important to consider how we rapidly get to net zero here in the Midlands, and collaboration is key. Because SWM are at the heart of so many influential regional networks, partnering on events like these helps us all move from conversation into action. We were delighted with the engagement and insight we gained on the themes of ‘A Place Based Approach to Net Zero’.”

Luke Strickland, Environment Team Lead, Mott Macdonald