'Green' way forward drawn up by council
SHEFFIELD Council has published a draft plan outlining how the city should deal with climate change – and create a resurgent economy buoyed by new green jobs.
But the document has been criticised for containing "lots of nice words" and not enough "hard plans".
The report – recommended for approval by the authority's cabinet next Wednesday – was compiled after environmental campaigners held a Green New Deal conference in the city earlier this year.
Delegates at the event in February recommended the local economy should be kick-started by pushing eco-friendly projects such as a mass scheme to make homes more energy-efficient.
They also called for civic leaders to prioritise support for local businesses rather than attracting multi-national companies.
In response, the council's plan suggested ways Sheffield could turn into a low carbon economy and, in the process, create new jobs in the environmental sector.
Officers who created the report said it would be used when developing council policies on a broad range of subjects – from economic strategy to the local transport plan.
Key suggestions include creating an environment for high-tech green companies to come to the city, finding money to expand programmes to make housing more carbon efficient, and rethinking local food production.
The council's director of sustainable development, Andy Nolan, said: "We are at an early stage in turning the city towards a green economy. This report ensures that the council does not hide from the challenges of climate change but leads the way."
Mr Nolan pointed out that many of the suggestions in the report – including the financing of investment in environmental projects – are several months, if not years, from realisation. Other aspects, such as Sheffield's warmer homes strategy and community allotments plan, are well under way, however.
A spokeswoman for Sheffield Campaign Against Climate Change welcomed the council's report, but Green Party councillor Jillian Creasy criticised the plan for its lack of substance.
Coun Creasy, who represents Central ward, said: "There are a lot of nice words in the report, but when we met in February we suggested lots of concrete proposals which would make a real difference to the city.
"There's a lack of critical analysis which suggests this may just all be talk – I can't see many hard plans in there."
Coun Shaffaq Mohammed, Sheffield Council's cabinet member for environment, said: "Sheffield can be a leader if we can develop technology that tackles the issues around climate change. We will encourage innovation and create a setting for investment that attracts sustainable businesses and we'll also do more to support local businesses."
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