A University- wide workshop was held to launch the Low Carbon Society Initiative on 3 July 2008. The day was a huge success with over 30 academics attending from across all the faculties of the University.

The objectives of the workshop were to:

1) raise awareness of the possibilities of collaborative physical, biological and social science research on issues related to the Low Carbon Society

2) identify Warwick’s distinctive contribution in this potentially competitive arena, building on its existing research strengths

3) identify potential internal and external partnerships

4) scope out the next steps for developing and promoting existing research and for developing new research directions

Workshop programme: Session 1: Introduction to concepts and issues- Andrew Sentance (Warwick Business School) Session 2: Research ideas and themes: a) Fuels and energy use- new possibilities Biofuels- problems and opportunities - Simon Bright (Warwick Horticultural Research Institute) The importance of buildings in achieving a low carbon society - Phil Eames (WISER/ Engineering)   b) Business and consumer behaviour Understanding the low-carbon consumer - Christopher Moir (Warwick Manufacturing Group) and Sayantan Ghosal (Economics) Can the global energy business adapt to a low carbon society? David Elmes (Warwick Business School)   c) Instruments of social and economic change  Children, consumption and energy- Alan Prout (Warwick Institute of Education) The reality of environmental taxation - John Snape (Law) Session 3: "Open space" discussion in break-out groups Session 4: Plenary discussion- Including feedback from the break-out groups, identification of potential research themes, Warwick's distinctive contribution, potential partnerships and next steps. Mark Smith, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research joined us for this session Session 5: Closing comments and end of workshop