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Transport and logisticsEnergy and the environment
Rising oil prices and concerns over global warming are changing the way people live and how companies do business. The challenges of climate change and resource depletion require a profound shift in the way that we use natural resources to ensure the sustainability and resilience of our economy.
Within this developing sector, emda has commissioned a number of research projects and developed a series of practical support services for the region's businesses.
We are developing the Regional Energy Strategy implementation plan with regional businesses and industry partners, and have begun a research project to map the potential effects of climate change on the regional economy. This work will help to inform policy and delivery plans across emda's sphere of influence.
Green infrastructure a guide and toolkit
Recent research carried out on behalf of emda ‘Green Infrastructure Programme’ (AMION Consulting, 2008) has highlighted that green infrastructure (gi) projects are becoming more and more important in regenerating areas, reviving communities, and attracting investment. Ranging from parks and public gardens to agricultural land, these developments can bring key economic benefits, such as increased property values and job creation and retention, as well as boosting tourism and visitor spend.
This handbook is designed to give you support and guidance in your gi projects. It explains the rationale for investment in gi and offers an evaluation and assessment framework to help you with decision making. All partners across the region can use the frameworks to provide consistency and to assist in the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of gi projects.
Download the guide and toolkit [PDF, 3.62 MB]
Programme for Implementing Resource Efficiency (PIRE)
PIRE helps businesses across the East Midlands to raise their efficiency and productivity and reduce their costs. Its success has led to its principles being incorporated into the new regional Business Link service, which started in April 2007.
During 2006-2007 a new diagnostic tool to assist business advisors was designed – creating an integrated approach to helping clients implement efficiency improvements and reducing waste. Campaigns covering issues from reducing water consumption to compliance with new waste electrical and electronic equipment legislation have been run during the year.
Find out more here: Business Link : Environment & efficiency
Energy Technologies Institute
emda collaborated with Advantage West Midlands to support regional universities in securing a location for the national Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) in the Midlands.
The ETI, which is based at Loughborough University, is a £1bn public-private partnership to develop and deploy energy technologies fit for a low carbon economy.
emda worked with regional businesses and universities to bring the ETI 'hub' to the region. Regional businesses such as E.ON, Rolls-Royce plc and Caterpillar have collectively pledged £15m per year for the next 10 years towards the institute, to be matched by Government funds.
ETI brings together projects that create affordable, reliable, clean energy for heat, power and transport. It demonstrates technologies, develops knowledge, skills and supply-chains, and informs the development of regulation, standards and policy to accelerate the deployment of affordable, secure low carbon energy systems.
For more information see the ETI website.