Agenda item - Low Carbon Economy Blue/Green Print

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)             That the Board agree to the development and production of a net-zero innovation led economy Investment Plan (Blue/Green Print) to use as a lobbying tool. This investment plan will outline the region’s investment requirements to be leaders in the UK’s green industrial revolution and transition to net zero. 

2)             That the Board attend, support and promote the events taking place across the region in the lead up to COP26 this November in Glasgow.

3)             That the Board tasks officers to look at working with other regional partners to host a Greater Brighton led Climate Summit in October 2021 to showcase the work and current aspirations happening within the region as part of the preparation for the road to Cop26. This showcase could demonstrate the benefits of partner collaboration enhancing our collective action to address the climate crisis whilst promoting economic recovery.  

7.1          The Board considered a report o the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that sought agreement for the development and production of a net-zero innovation led economy Investment Plan (Blue/Green Print) to use as a lobbying tool. Approval that the Board attend, support and promote the events taking place across the region in the lead up to COP26 this November in Glasgow and that the Board tasks officers to look at working with other regional partners to host a Greater Brighton led Climate Summit in October 2021 to showcase the work and current aspirations happening within the region as part of the preparation for the road to Cop26.

7.2          Geoff Raw noted that attendance at COP26 and hosting a summit would give the opportunity for alignment and make a case for significant investment opportunities.

7.3          Councillor Mac Cafferty welcomed the report that built on a lot of good work that had previously been undertaken and addressed the potential opportunity in dealing with the serious and pressing problem of global warming.

7.4          Andrew Swayne stated his support for the report and highlighted that projects and initiatives relating to a green economy was a very strong USP for the Region.

7.5          Councillor Nicholson welcomed the report stating that a strategic vision for a green economy was intrinsically linked to the economic recovery of the Region.

7.6          Councillor Humphreys stated that he was apprehensive that hosting and attending a summit would be a big effort for little gain however, he had been assured by the comments made by Geoff Raw as well as endorsement of the report by other Board Members.

7.7          Councillor Gunner stated that he was supportive of the first two recommendations however, he had some concern that no financial figures were detailed in the report and no quantifiable measures of success.

7.8          Councillor Allcock stated that he endorsed the report that was progressive and responsible, and he was sure that officers would reflect on the comments made.

7.9          Nick Hibberd stated that the Region needed to attract investment and the report covered areas where the tangible benefit would be attracting investment for a pipeline of projects.

7.10      Geoff Raw noted that the timetable for the summit was tight however, a lot of the initial work had already been undertaken and the logistics of the event would not be as demanding as a summit attended in person. A draft agenda for the summit could be circulated to the Board and Brighton & Hove City Council would be meeting most of the cost of hosting the event.

7.11      Councillor Parkin and the Chair thanked Geoff Raw for his comments that had provided assurance.

7.12      RESOLVED-

1)             That the Board agree to the development and production of a net-zero innovation led economy Investment Plan (Blue/Green Print) to use as a lobbying tool. This investment plan will outline the region’s investment requirements to be leaders in the UK’s green industrial revolution and transition to net zero. 

2)             That the Board attend, support and promote the events taking place across the region in the lead up to COP26 this November in Glasgow.

3)             That the Board tasks officers to look at working with other regional partners to host a Greater Brighton led Climate Summit in October 2021 to showcase the work and current aspirations happening within the region as part of the preparation for the road to Cop26. This showcase could demonstrate the benefits of partner collaboration enhancing our collective action to address the climate crisis whilst promoting economic recovery.