"Partner up for positive change" was the central message of the Sustainable Cities event that took place in Sheffield last week.
Representatives from local government, local business, the energy industry and NGOs were united in the view that collaboration between the public and private sector would be critical to create a low carbon economy.
The event, which attracted almos
t a hundred attendees, including environmental advisors from other European cities, marked the launch of the Sustainable Cities Tour. Hosted by the UKBCSE and supported by Shell UK, the Tour will visit seven UK cities over 2008 to promote active partnerships within cities to tackle climate change.
While representatives from Vienna and Utrecht showcased their cities' cutting edge climate change initiatives, Sheffield, which hosted the Tour's launch event, cemented its role as a UK thought-leader. Taking inspiration from networks in European cities like Munich, Stockholm and Vienna, the City Council is partnering with the South Yorkshire Green Business Club and other local environmental service providers to produce the Sheffield Eco Business Standard, which will launch later this year.
Matt Walker from the South Yorkshire Green Business Club said: "The Sheffield Eco Business Standard will be unique to the UK. By asking participating business to go above and beyond the requirements of the BS 8555 modular Environmental Management System, an official British Standard the Sheffield Eco Business Standard will be recognised both in Sheffield, but also at a national and international level.
"Following the lead of cities like Vienna, Sheffield City Council will only buy products and services from participating companies. This will boost the city's green procurement and make adaptation a commercially attractive option for the business community."
A panel discussion session raised a number of other partnership ideas, including:
lA city-wide network of distributive sustainable energy, where councils work with industry to identify potential energy need through a smart metering system - and reinforce supply with sustainable resources;
lUp-front financial incentives from local government for businesses to improve their energy efficiency.
James Smith, Chairman of Shell UK, said: "The cities tour got off to a great start in Sheffield. The same spirit that has underpinned the rejuvenation of Sheffield can be the driving force for tackling climate change."
