Member Article

Way forward for region to be aired at Sustainability West Midlands 20th anniversary event

Innovative solutions to increase sustainability across the West Midlands will be showcased at a 20th anniversary celebration for Sustainability West Midlands (SWM) next week.

More than 200 guests will attend SWM’s free 20th Birthday Celebrations including an annual conference and awards at Millennium Point, Birmingham, on Thursday March 10, to mark two decades of progress by the independent, not-for-profit organisation which provides support to all sectors across the region on sustainability.

Business leaders, public sector representatives and anyone interested in the opportunities ahead to bring environmental, social and economic improvement to the region can attend the all-day event.

Launched in 2002, SWM acts as the sustainability champion for the West Midlands, operating as a not-for-profit company to works with more than 120 members in the private, public and third sectors. SWM has developed the Sustainability Roadmap to 2030 to act as a framework to help organisations operating in the region to further their sustainability activities.

SWM helps partners operate more sustainably and contribute to a shared vision: “The West Midlands is leading in contributing to the national target of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 whilst addressing health inequality and driving inclusive growth.” The annual conference and awards will provide an update on the progress and look at ways forward.

The event keynote speaker is award-winning writer and broadcaster Prof Chris Baines, one of the UK’s leading environmental campaigners. As Vice President of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts and recipient of lifetime achievement medals from the RSPB and the British Association of Nature Conservationists, he has worked to build partnerships between business, government and conservation, spanning industries including water, housebuilding, energy and ethical investment.

The confirmed panelists include Gary Woodman, Chief Executive, Worcestershire LEP; Jim Davies, Strategic Environmental Planning Lead (Climate Change Adaptation), Environment Agency; Beverley Nielsen, Executive Director, Institute for Design, Economic Acceleration & Sustainability, Birmingham City University; Clare Ollerenshaw, Associate Director, Accelar; and Delia Garratt, CEO of the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and Black Country.

Other speakers include representatives of Transport for West Midlands, Nazir Associates and the Sustainable Housing Action Partnership.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, an awards ceremony will take place to recognise regional successes in a range of key categories including resource efficiency, clean and active travel, clean air and water, natural environment, sustainable growth, social equity and health, sustainable energy use and adapting to climate change.

SWM CEO Anna Bright said: “The journey hasn’t always been easy for our unique organisation, but we have transitioned into a nationally recognised hub for cross sector excellence in sustainability.

“We look forward to delegates joining us as we share the highs and lows of the last two decades, showcase the breadth of innovative solutions coming and look forward to the next 20 years.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chris Leggett .