An event aimed at helping local businesses to lower their carbon foot print and cash in on the £122bn and growing green sector takes place in Nottingham next month.
The Future Economy: Sustainability Best Practice Summit, organised by the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce (DNCC), takes place at the University of Nottingham’s Sir Colin Campbell Building between 8am and 1pm on Thursday 10 October.
It is being sponsored by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and supported by the University’s Environmental Technology Centre (ETC). It will draw on the expertise of some of the most innovative organisations in the region.
Andy Cliffe, Managing Director of East Midlands Airport, will deliver the keynote speech about how the airport achieved its objective of having carbon neutral ground operations by 2012.
There will also be a presentation from Dr Dan King from the ETC about the work the University carries out with businesses and how it’s linked to sustainability.
Those attending can also take part in a choice of sustainability workshops delivered by organisations such as E.on, Siemens Financial Services, the Derby Business School, Nottingham Trent University’s Future Factory and Derby City Council.
There will also be a green business exhibition, networking opportunities and a buffet lunch.
DNCC Chief Executive George Cowcher said: “The green business sector is key to the future economy and this event is all about helping local firms become more efficient, increase their margins and save money by tapping in to some of the expertise on offer from local businesses and other organisations.
"It offers a platform to inform and support businesses to take advantage, innovate and thrive in the new low carbon economy.
“Official estimates suggest more than 400,000 jobs will be created in this burgeoning business sector by 2020 as firms realise they can either make or save money from green initiatives or at the very least mitigate their environmental impact."
D2N2 Chief Executive David Ralph added: “This is an important event to help inform and support business to take advantage, innovate and thrive in the new low-carbon economy, a sector that is crucial for the future in the D2N2 area. The shift towards renewable energy sources and energy saving is creating new business markets with opportunities in renewable energy generation.
“We are developing a prospectus which will identify specific activities and opportunities to support investment and business growth, focusing on innovation, renewable heat, district energy, retrofit energy efficiency, low-carbon transport and eco ‘tourism’, both business and leisure. D2N2 will work with partners in business, local government and higher education to concentrate on mapping and marketing our low-carbon assets and to raise awareness of the opportunities, investment and growth. By developing a strong local market, we will aim to support expansion in low-carbon skills and jobs.”
Tickets for the event cost £20+VAT and can be booked online at http://bit.ly/17Pqp7K. For more information, contact Laurie Wootton on 01246 207207 or email laurie.wootton@dncc.co.uk.
