A 25 point plan setting out how the UK can capitalise on billions of pounds of opportunities in the green economy over the next few years will be published on Monday.
The Green Economy Pathfinder Manifesto says the low carbon goods and services sector was worth £112 billion to the UK in 2009/10, employs almost one million people and is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years.
It also says the UK has a competitive advantage in the low carbon technologies and innovation sector.
The report, published by the business-led New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), will be presented at a reception in the Houses of Parliament hosted by former environment secretary Lord Deben on Monday.
The LEP, one of 39 business led partnerships set up to drive growth in their local areas, had been invited last year by the UK Government to look into the potential of the green economy and to report back with recommendations on how to capitalise on the opportunities it presents.
Recommendations in the report include:
Ensuring businesses looking to invest in manufacturing for the offshore renewables industry receive the most comprehensive support possible.
Encouraging local authorities to take the lead on the thermal insulation of their property portfolios.
Optimising the drawdown of European funding and other funding sources to support the growth of the green economy.
Encouraging much greater investment in micro-generation and renewables.
The introduction of new low-carbon business zones to stimulate green businesses.
A comprehensive programme to identify and develop the skills needed across the green economy.
The simplification of the business resource efficiency landscape.
The development of smart communities – using mobile phones, electronic sensors and meters to drive resource efficiency.
The manifesto also highlights examples of best practice and expertise in Norfolk and Suffolk.
These include the development of the world’s largest wind farm off the coastline of East Anglia by Scottish Power Renewables and Vattenfall and the Adnams Bioenergy partnership – the first bioenergy plant of its kind in the UK, producing biomethane from food and brewery waste.
Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said: “The Green Manifesto is a clear example of how local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) are bringing partners together to deliver real and sustainable growth in our local economies.
“It is fantastic to see the New Anglia LEP playing an active role in identifying barriers to growth and taking action to boost the green economy in the region.”
Recommended for you
