Residents, businesses and stakeholders were welcomed by the Mayor of the East Midlands for a conversation on green growth and how to ensure communities are at the heart of the green transition.
Conversations with Mayor Claire: Green Growth invited delegates to Nottingham to discuss the opportunities for communities, share insights on emerging green initiatives, and help shape a more sustainable East Midlands.
Mayor Claire Ward was joined by Sally Longford, lead member of Nottingham Climate Assembly; Emma Leaman, director and chair of Derbyshire Dales Community Energy; and Rural Action Derbyshire chief executive officer Emma Simpson.
Mayor Claire said: “I am determined to make the East Midlands a greener and more sustainable region and having conversations like these is an important part of that journey.
“The climate crisis affects us all, and hearing directly from residents, businesses, and partners helps us understand the issues that matter most and shape our priorities for the future. By working together, we can build a greener, more resilient region that delivers cleaner energy, new opportunities and thriving communities.
“The East Midlands is already a hub for growth, innovation and investment in the energy sector. We have a proud history of delivering the energy our country needs in our region, and we now have a vital role to play in the UK’s energy transition. We must continue to build on our progress and work together to create lasting change that benefits both current and future generations.”
The talks were followed by roundtable discussions on how the partners can work together to deliver cleaner energy and support local communities in the transition to a more sustainable future.
Green growth is a key part of Mayor Claire’s 10-year East Midlands Growth Plan. The plan sets out how EMCCA aims to decarbonise the economy, generate 1GW of clean energy, and build a more sustainable region for our communities.
Local projects supporting sustainable development and green initiatives have been earmarked for backing through Mayor Claire’s Local Growth Fund. More than £3.2 million has been proposed for a rural development fund, a programme that will support rural areas by helping businesses grow, creating jobs for local people and improving infrastructure and connectivity.
A new £1.7m community energy fund has also been proposed as part of Local Growth Fund. This programme will aim to increase local renewable energy generation through projects led by local communities, including solar, energy storage, or low carbon heat solutions.
Plans for each programme will be reviewed by EMCCA to ensure they are ready for investment before moving into delivery. Feedback from conversations at the event will help shape the two upcoming programmes as well as future work with partners and our communities on the region’s journey towards a greener future.
The green growth event is one of three Conversations with Mayor Claire engagement events taking place throughout July, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to engage directly with Mayor Claire.
The focus of the initial event, held at Air and Space Institute Newark, was on youth skills and employment and explored how employers, education providers and public sector partners can work together to give young people clearer routes into training, work experience and long-term employment.
The final event will take place in Derby and will bring partners together to discuss how sport and physical activity can improve health and wellbeing and build safer, stronger and more connected communities.