Green in the City Forum

Set to take place at the offices of Smith & Williamson in London, the forum will consider what the UK can learn from a United Nations type approach to developing the green industry.

2012 saw the launch of the Green Industry Platform, a joint initiative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a global, multi-stakeholder partnership intended to act as a forum to promote the green industry around the world. Over 150 governments, corporations and civil society organisations have joined it to date – however the UK Government is not, at present, a member.

The Forum will analyse the benefits and opportunities to be gained from pursuing a coordinated, global approach to the development of green industry, including in terms of jobs creation, poverty reduction and more efficient resource-management. It will also consider the barriers to the adoption of low carbon agendas in both new and existing industries and within government which could pose a significant risk to the long term competitive advantage of UK companies. 

Topics for discussion Include:

•  What defines a ‘Green Industry’ approach and what are its benefits to UK businesses?

•   Does sustainability sit at the centre of UK corporate and government thinking or is it still an optional add-on?

•   Must we rely on resource pressure as the key driver for change or must UK business leaders rethink their investment priorities and attitudes?

•   Does the UK have the correct levels of investment in the supply chain and the correct policy framework to make low carbon and resource efficient industry a competitive reality?

•   What is the role of technology and innovation in achieving global carbon reduction?

•   What is the UK’s role in helping industries in developing and transition countries to reduce their material, energy and pollution intensity?

•   Will a voluntary, multi-stakeholder, platform help drive change and how can its success be measured?

The Green in the City Forum takes place on 31 October at 6pm.