We recognise that a range of topics may emerge, however we will begin with those set out in Vision 2020 which include:

• Climate adaptation – where are the key areas we need to build resilience?
• Housing and buildings – how do we roll out the retrofit agenda?
• Transport – how do we manage the networks we have?
• Energy and waste – how do we improve our energy security and resource use?
• Low carbon jobs – how do we create the markets for these and therefore influence the skills suppliers?
• Environmental assets – how do we manage our land resource for food, carbon storage, and recreation?

Ultimately, we will be interested in how topics such as these help us to retain and create new jobs, reduce carbon and improve healthy life expectancy within our communities. For more information about the low carbon vision 2020 click here.

Objectives    

This workshop aims to make positive steps towards:

• Identifying the region’s sustainable development priorities for achieving the low carbon vision 2020.
• Developing the milestones required to implement the sustainable development priorities from now to 2020.
• Scoping the support regional partnerships will require to focus on these priorities and milestones.

Agenda          

The workshop will be led by Peter Woodward, Facilitator & SWM associate, and Steve Owen, Project Director & SWM associate.

8.30 – Registration and Refreshments
9.00 – Introduction and aims of the workshop

• Criteria for prioritisation
• Draft sustainable development priorities

11.00 – Break and Refreshments
11.10 – Key steps to ensure progress on priorities

• Next Steps

12.30 – Close

Audience:

The target audience for the workshop is regional policy makers and stakeholders from the public, private and voluntary sectors. You will have relevant roles and knowledge about how the West Midlands can make real progress in achieving the low carbon vision by 2020.

Registration:

The event is free but as places are limited advance booking is essential. If you would like to attend please send your name, organisation, job title and any access requirements to Laura Simpson by Thursday 25 March. You will receive a confirmation email and a briefing closer to the event.

If you cannot attend but would like to have an opportunity to input in another way please contact Laura Simpson and we will ensure you are kept up to date on progress through our newsletter or other future potential opportunities.

Further Background to the Roadmap 2020 Project:

Sustainability West Midlands’ vision is that by 2020 businesses and communities are thriving in a West Midlands that is environmentally sustainable and socially just. By 2012 we want our leaders to be clear on what this looks like, have set milestones and their organisations are making strong progress.

To achieve this we have commissioned with partners the low carbon vision 2020, which builds on the work of the Regional Sustainability Development Framework, the Regional Spatial Strategy, and the Low Carbon West Midlands Economic Strategy. Sustainability West Midlands has secured funding from Defra and Advantage West Midlands for this work. A summary of the project is available on our website. However what is missing is the clear articulation of the five or six key regional priorities we need to focus on to achieve this vision and the steps required over the next ten years.

Developing a clear set of priorities is important to help focus the limited resources we have for the benefit of the region and provide valuable support for our regional leaders, such as the Joint Strategy and Investment Board, as they plan for our future.