Event details
The transition to net zero represents a £1 trillion market opportunity for British businesses by 2030. The UK public sector must lead by example to achieve net zero by 2050, driving changes across all sectors of the economy. Key actions include setting clear policies and incentives, by fostering innovation in green technologies. New investments highlight growing confidence in the UK’s ability to support this green transition with recent announcements of £24 billion. With the change in government who have already announced that they are reversing the decision on new petrol and diesel cars and bringing back the deadline to 2030, there’s likely to more changes in the coming months and Labour put their feet under the table.
To understand what else is coming and the challenges faced by the public sector in meeting NetZero targets register to join this event. With expert panellist discussing ongoing projects in electric vehicles and the transport sector, explore the future of NetZero through alternative fuels, and highlight exciting innovations in AI and green technology. Discover how the UK can collaborate across all sectors to achieve NetZero.
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WHO ATTENDS
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Funding NetZero
The UK's Climate Change Committee (CCC) warns that the country may miss its future NetZero targets due to slow recent progress. The CCC estimates that over £40 billion in annual investment, from both private and public sources, will be required by 2025, rising to around £50 billion between 2030 and 2050. One of the areas in need of funding is Skills, to which the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has allocated up to £17 million for phase 4 of the Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund. This fund provides grants to public sector organizations to access expert advice and skills necessary for developing heat decarbonization plans and energy efficiency projects.
To achieve NetZero, collaboration and funding across public and private sectors are essential. On top of grants like this the PSDS, the Levi fund and many others, with so many funds comes the challenge of deciding which fund is appropriate for local authorities and other public sector bodies to apply for.
Join this panel to explore how the public sector is utilising funds and partnering with others to develop impactful projects. Discuss strategies to overcome current challenges and ensure a successful transition to a sustainable future.
Andy Hunt Green Energy and Sustainability Manager Oldham CouncilAndrew Hunt is currently a Green Energy and Sustainability Manager at Oldham Council, bringing experience from previous roles at Oldham Council, Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, Trafford Council and Bury Council. Andrew Hunt holds a 1988 - 1991 BSc (Hons) III in Business Studies from the University College of Swansea. With a robust skill set that includes Strategy Development, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, Environmental Awareness and more, Andrew Hunt contributes valuable insights to the industry.Maggie Bosanquet Low Carbon Economic Development Team Leader Durham County CouncilMaggie has been an environmental campaigner since 1989 and has led Durham County Council’s Sustainability Team since 1995 supporting local, national and international partnership initiatives. Maggie Bosanquet is the Low Carbon Economy Team Leader at Durham County Council where she leads a team managing the County-wide response to the climate emergency and net zero targets. This includes a multi-million pound electric vehicle charging infrastructure programme, whole building retrofits and renewable energy installations, energy and carbon monitoring and reporting, a programme of support for businesses, schools and community groups and a major focus on energy master planning and sustainable heat.
She leads a high level, strategic net zero partnership across the County and is actively involved in a range of knowledge sharing partnerships with local authorities and other net zero partners at local, regional and international level. Maggie sits on various boards and committees and in 2022 she was awarded an Honorary PhD (Doctorate of Science) for her work by Durham University.Councillor Marion Williams Cabinet Member for a Connected, Clean City Newcastle City CouncilMarion oversees our strategic transport planning and infrastructure, which includes the ongoing refurbishment of the Tyne Bridge which is scheduled to be completed before the iconic structure’s centenary year.
Shealso leads on the city’s ambitious net zero ambitions and mapping out the key actions needed in Newcastle to achieve them. Within this, Marion also has responsibility for tackling air pollution, a key element of which is the city’s clean air zone (CAZ), as well as biodiversity including tree planting and maintenance. -
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Transport
The public sector can pave the way in green transport, by providing the public with clean, green and reliable transportation. From trains to buses to bicycles, whilst technology is going to play a part in multi modal, public sector has a duty to ensure zero emissions are aligned with public transport, from electrifying trains, to electric or hydrogen buses, as part of the strive for better connectivity. The challenge is not for the faint hearted, join this panel to understand the challenges faced by the public sector as they battle to improve and deliver cleaner public transport.
Katharina Winbeck Strategic Lead, Transport and Environment London CouncilsKatharina Winbeck is an environmental and social scientist, specialising in developing major public initiatives. She worked in health, housing, regeneration, environmental & major projects planning and transport. For the past fifteen years she has been developing sustainability, environment, transport and infrastructure policy. She has worked for the NHS, three London Boroughs, Transport for London, the Audit Commission and now for London Councils. Katharina is passionate about London and environmental sustainability.
Bryony Chetwode Public Transport Strategy and Low Carbon Officer Swindon Borough CouncilAveril Lekau Deputy Leader, also Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport Royal Borough of GreenwichCouncillor Averil Lekau was elected to the Royal Borough of Greenwich in 2014. Councillor Lekau became Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport in 2022 and represents Thamesmead Moorings ward. Councillor Lekau is a former Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care and Housing and Anti Poverty and is a former member of the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board, Housing and Anti-Poverty Scrutiny Panel, Healthier Communities and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel, Licensing Committee and Woolwich and Thamesmead Area Planning Committee. Councillor Lekau has also chaired the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel and has served as a member of the Council’s Planning Board, Community Safety and Environment Scrutiny Panel and Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel.
Councillor Lekau is currently a member of London Council’s Transport and Environment Committee and Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. Councillor Lekau represents the Royal Borough of Greenwich on the Port of London Authority’s Ports and Infrastructure Group and Environmental Protection UK.
Councillor Richard Burton Forest of Dean District Council -
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Jason Legget from Connexin
Driving Net Zero Goals with IoT and LoRaWAN Solutions - How Smart Connected Technologies Can Transform Public Sector Sustainability Efforts
Jason Legget Public Sector & Enterprise Solution Sales Connexin
Connexin is a UK-based digital service and smarter technology provider with an industry-leading offer across three areas: broadband, smarter solutions and digital training. Jason Legget heads up Connexin’s Smarter Places team and is a prominent leader in the field of smarter city development. With over a decade of experience in transforming cities through technology, he has worked with government agencies and private sectors to drive sustainable, connected urban environments. -
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AI Innovation with Green Tech
As part of the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, £1.73 million in funding was announced under the UK government’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Decarbonisation Innovation Programme in March 2024, this aims to examine advance AI technologies that support the UK’s transition to NetZero. Some of the projects include improved weather forecasting for solar energy, and energy optimisation for consumers and businesses. AI has already proven to assist in many areas of industry although its adoption still needs some work, that said, the public sector is embracing AI positively.
Join this panel to understand where and how AI can innovate and enable the public sector to meet its NetZero goals.
Sarah Taylor Head of Sustainability Frimley Health NHS Foundation TrustThe work undertaken as Head of Sustainability in the Trust and ICB provides a grounding and understanding of ESH in manufacturing, health care generally, AI, pharmaceutical, digital, technology, energy and retail. The nature of how we work contributes to environmental and social degradation.
It is important that being Head of Sustainability the role encompasses public relations, operations and, of course, the staff on the journey to combat the environmental impact a company and we have.
I have worked with simple and complex commercial, change, design, planning and other teams within Client, Contractor and Subcontractor organisations. I understand the levels of communication and the needs of each of these organisations to ensure gateways and others are achieved.
I understand that whilst the environmental and social impacts are addressed it doesn't come without the commercial role. In bringing in new technologies and working ethos the outcomes must be matched with a change in behaviours to enhance the financial impacts which can be a reduction in costs, or an increase which could be offset with new clients and benefits, not previously available.
I also understand the complexities required from risk management to procurement, financial reporting and managing the supply chain. In review, I would confirm I have the following qualities strong commercial awareness, strong client liaison skills, project management and team leadership. Together with an extensive understanding of flexibility and a talent for negotiation. I would see myself as a proactive not a reactive person.Pete Lillie Integrated Care Board (ICB) Sustainability Programme Lead NENC Health Innovation North East and North CumbriaFor over 25 years I have been implementing commercial strategies for startups and larger multinational organisations across Europe building strong commercial pipelines for long term growth and investment. I have now re-established a base in the North East and am focused on helping develop businesses enabling inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
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Alternative Fuels and Solutions
Alternative fuels are not new, over the century electricity has been used to power vehicles, trams and even buses, however as technology evolved so did emission from coal to mining gas to petrol and diesel which has caused detrimental effects to our climate. Apon this realisation governments including the UK are taking strides to seek alternative means to fuel and deliver power. This panel will explore what the UK is examining in terms of Hydrogen, wind power, solar, nuclear, carbon capture and more. Already the new government has established Great British Energy, a publicly owned company to drive clean energy, boost energy independence, and create jobs. The government has also reversed the ban for onshore wind farms, thereby increasing the amount the energy produced by wind. None of these areas are without challenge, within the panel we will discuss those challenges and what is needed to overcome to increase the use of alternative fuels in order to meet NetZero targets.
Dr Ravinder Singh Zandu Head of Digital and Systems Team Cabinet Office - Government Commercial Function (GCF)Dr. Ravinder Singh has a successful background in digital consulting/ transformation, AI/ ML, Gen AI/LLMs, IoT, Emerging Technologies & Innovations, enterprise architecture, sustainability, standard, assurance and audits, cyber and information security, program/ project management with budgets up to £1.5bn with broad ‘C-level’ experience in both public & private sectors including World Bank, UK government, Switzerland, Thailand, Colombia, Ukraine, Rwanda, India and other governments, Defence, Big-4 consulting, BFSI, software houses, R&D, telecom & Oil/utility sectors. Ravinder has 2 Copyrights of Software, published 14 research papers, Nominated for Shri Dewang Mehta National Award for Innovation in Information Technology, India; Listed in Who's Who in the World 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014 (32nd and 31st Edition) and Who's Who in ASIA (1st and 2nd edition) published in 2006 and 2012, by Marquis Who’s Who, USA; Co-Author of book on “Model Driven Business Process Engineering” by Amazon (2016), & Bentham Science (2014). Accredited IPA Reviewer; Certified PMP, Prince-2, ITIL, Lead Auditor-ISO 27001. CMMI, ISO 9001; Editor of PG, UG and Certificate course material, Board of Studies, Curriculum Design, & Visiting Faculty to various universities and colleges.Kunal Prasad Zero Carbon Council Manager Oxfordshire County CouncilAs Zero Carbon Council Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, I am involved in developing and delivering council’s carbon neutral target on it operational emissions by 2030 and beyond. This includes building energy efficiency, renewable energy, fleet decarbonisation, EV charging infrastructure for fleet, carbon accounting & reporting, supply chain emissions, working towards embedding lifecycle carbon management in council’s decision making process through PAS 2080, innovation projects for hard to decarbonise areas like use of hydrogen in heavy fleet, etc.Victoria Saunders Innovation Lead – Hydrogen in Transport Innovate UKVictoria Saunders holds a master’s degree in chemistry and is a passionate advocate for green technology, with extensive experience in the sustainable technology sector. She has specialised in hydrogen, working for industry leaders Johnson Matthey Plc. and Plug Power Inc. Currently, as the Innovation Lead for Hydrogen in Transport at Innovate UK, the government’s innovation agency, Victoria spearheads initiatives, including the £20 million Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub in collaboration with the Department for Transport. Her mission is to break down silos across industry and government, share real-world insights, and advance the UK hydrogen market to deliver zero-emission solutions for challenging sectors such as heavy-duty transport, aviation, construction, and agriculture. -
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EV Infrastructure
The UK government set a target of installing 300,000 changing points by 2030, to assist the LEVI fund has aided some local authorities but not all. Charge point operators are also providing solutions to speed the installation by offsetting the costs for local authorities. With solutions combating kerbside local authorities now have choices, the challenge now is which are the right solutions.
Join this panel to understand the process and challenges that local authorities face to achieve the 2030 target.
Amanda Downes Principal Transport Planner (Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure) Lancashire County CouncilWorking at Lancashire County Council since 1991, I have been fortunate to work in a number of roles including Road Safety, Business Travel Planning, Community Safety and Active Travel within Public Health before I began my current role as project lead for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure. Although I am a keen cyclist and advocate for Active Travel, I have also owned an electric vehicle since 2015 and have made many trips to mainland Europe where I have researched effective micro and macro transport solutions en route. At home, we have recently an air source heat pump installed, and I have a tendency to steer conversations to sustainable living themes!
Anthony Boyd Senior Public Sector Partnerships Manager – Northern Ireland & Scotland BelievHaving come from a fleet and finance background. Anthony has been working in and around renewables for the best part of the last decade, in both the private and public sector. Now working as a Senior Public Sector Partnerships Manager at Believ based in Edinburgh with roots in Belfast, covering both Scotland and NI. With a commitment to environmental sustainability and taking an innovative approach to transportation challenges to continue to drive progress in the EV sector.
Sonja Dembo Transport Innovation and ULEV Lead Black Country Transport