A Green Economy Has Never Looked So Good
A sustainable micro-home.“Over a third of the UK’s economic growth in 2011-12 is likely to have to come from green business” states CBI’s latest report. Green business is THE growth area for Wales’ economic recovery, with low carbon and environmental jobs growing at twice the speed of manufacturing and retail sectors. Whilst the GDP growth rate has plummeted, the green economy turnover has soared as investment in low carbon projects continues to grow.
Bangor University’s Green Innovation Network will be supporting local businesses who want to benefit from the burgeoning green economy with their autumn event at The Quay Hotel in Deganwy on Thursday 4th October. Peter Jones OBE, resource efficiency guru and former director of BIFFA waste services will be revealing more about the opportunities and challenges of green growth.
He said: “If we get the right policies and industries in place we can kick our GDP into a green overdrive, delivering more jobs, more wealth and higher living standards – while still saving the planet”
A Green New Deal for Wales
The Green Innovation Network’s autumn event couldn’t be more timely, chiming with a fresh look at the economy from all political parties. With the principle of sustainable development at the heart of government and Plaid Cymru’s freshly announced green new deal, these policies are seeking to stimulate the Welsh economy in all the right places.
In a speech at the Plaid Cymru Conference recently, party leader, Leanne Wood said: “Wales needs jobs. It’s as simple as that. And there’s plenty of work that needs doing. Wales needs a new New Deal. A Green New Deal – aiming to provide skills, work, hope and opportunity for a new generation who have a right to believe that life can be better”
More renewable energy production and a national home energy efficiency programme will form part of proposals for a greener future. At the core of the Green Innovation Network’s goals is the creation advancing the green economy by stimulating economic opportunities in areas such as renewable energy and eco-tourism.
“Bringing Welsh companies together to realise green business opportunities is what we do – and never more timely given the current economic crisis - a green economy has never looked so good!” says Bangor University sustainability project director, Stuart Bond.
Local companies will be a big part of the event with a Sustainability Showcase session to find out what’s already happening in the area. North Wales Hydro Power and Bryn Bella eco-guest house will be among the diverse range of companies sharing their experiences.
Sustainable Living is Swell with Dwelle
Architect, Ric Frankland of DwelleAward winning architect, Ric Frankland, whose sustainable micro-homes were recently showcased at the Manchester Greenbuild Expo and Grand Designs, Birmingham will also be at the event recounting his story of trying to make a green business success in the current economic climate, telling us more about the challenges faced when building their first working prototype of the eco-home. The fabulous prefabs illustrate “how small living is the new way to live big” with understated modern design, and sustainable features like insulation made from 100% recycled newspapers, double glazed windows and the ability to achieve zero-carbon status
It’s the green economy, stupid!
Pulling ourselves out of this double dip recession will require that we do things differently. The mantra now is green and this applies to the economy too. Working with projects like the Green Innovation Network can help companies beat recession blues and develop a future that is sustainable for all. Be at the tip of this revolution and log on to greeninnovationnetwork.org to find out more.
Thursday 4th October, 15:30 – 18-45, Contact s.francis@bangor.ac.uk to book a place www.greeninnovationnetwork.org
Publication date: 28 September 2012