Senior leaders from organisations across Coventry met today to help shape and move forward actions to reduce the impact of climate change.  

A new Coventry Climate Change Board will meet regularly to share policies, plans, good practice and work together collaboratively in an effort to keep the city on track for a zero carbon future.

The Board is chaired by Margot James, the former minister for culture, communications and creative industries and Executive Chair for the Warwickshire Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick.

Senior representatives from businesses located in the city, public service providers and community organisations will work together on plans for the future of the city.

Margot James, Executive Chair at WMG, University of Warwick said:
“I want to be involved in the Board because I believe organisations must collaborate if we are to reduce our carbon footprint. This applies to the public sector and the commercial sector, charities and voluntary groups of all sizes. 

“At WMG we are working with industry to develop solutions that will have a long-term impact on climate change, including electrification of transport from passenger cars to very light rail vehicles, and developing sustainable manufacturing processes.  

“I want this Board to make a difference and cut through any blockages preventing action within and between the organisations we represent to develop collaborative solutions to sometimes complex issues.”

“Ultimately, we need to set out actions and win hearts and minds. We also want to communicate how residents of all ages can be involved. It’s about the wellbeing of future generations in the city. 

“I expect more organisations will be invited to join the Board in the coming months.” 

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at the Council, added: “As a local authority we are applying innovative approaches and technologies but no one organisation can work alone to address a low carbon future.

“I hope that as a Board and a combined group of organisations we can come together to identify new ways of working together.  

“I’m sure that we will be able to deliver a range of cost-effective schemes to invest in a more sustainable future for the city.” 

•  Last week Coventry held a COP26 Regional Roadshow highlighting a Transport Expo which was funded by the UK Government to celebrate and showcase the city’s innovative work in addressing climate change and decarbonising transport in the city.
• Coventry has an A-rated CDP energy performance rating which is a national standard that is independently verified.
•  It has the highest number of electric charging points per head of population outside of London and will be the first city with an all-electric bus fleet from 2025.

The Council is investing in 5,000 solar panels on 41 Coventry buildings with public funding and there are many other schemes that city partners are supporting.

ENDS

17 NOVEMBER 2021

NOTES TO EDITORS

High-res images available at:

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/communications/medialibrary/images/november_2021/171121coventryclimatechangeboard_36.jpg
Caption: Front, Cllr O’Boyle with Margot James and partners from organisations across Coventry congregating outside the Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya building home to NAIC the National Automotive Innovation Centre at WMG, University of Warwick
Credit: Mark Radford Photography

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/communications/medialibrary/images/november_2021/171121coventryclimatechangeboard_29.jpg
Caption: The board congregating at WMG, University of Warwick
Credit: Mark Radford Photography

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/communications/medialibrary/images/november_2021/171121coventryclimatechangeboard_08.jpg
Caption: Margot James, Executive Chair of WMG, University of Warwick talking to the board
Credit: Mark Radford Photography

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/communications/medialibrary/images/november_2021/171121coventryclimatechangeboard_03.jpg
Caption: Cllr Jim O’Boyle talking to the board
Credit: Mark Radford Photography

For further information contact:

Alice Scott
Media Relations Manager – Science
University of Warwick
Tel: +44 (0) 7920 531 221
E-mail: alice.j.scott@warwick.ac.uk

For further information contact:

Alice Scott
Media Relations Manager – Science
University of Warwick
Tel: +44 (0) 7920 531 221
E-mail: alice.j.scott@warwick.ac.uk