Sustainability West Midlands is an organisation that campaigns for sustainable development in both the city of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region. Its work is guided by cooperation with members from various sectors. All this allows us to achieve favourable positive changes in all areas of interest as soon as possible. All those who regularly cooperate with the company note the independent approach to solving certain issues. There’s also a lot of talk about the cross-sectoral hub and the commitment that Sustainability West Midlands has to deliver a single vision for a better future for the West Midlands. Find out more about all this at birminghamname.com.
History and purpose of the organisation
Sustainability West Midlands began its active work in 2002. From the outset, it established itself as an independent, not-for-profit company with a limited guarantee. From the moment it was founded, Sustainability West Midlands was committed to helping the West Midlands, wanting to make it the first region in the country to follow a clear vision and a clear plan. This includes monitoring every year for a more sustainable future. Today, Sustainability West Midlands continues to serve the region with its five million citizens.
As a trusted, independent and not-for-profit sustainability consultancy, Sustainability West Midlands applies its wealth of experience and drives change through consultancy to business, local government, health, and education sectors. This comprehensive approach has resulted in major transformational projects and a tangible impact on the sustainability processes that companies are committed to.
Sustainability West Midlands was founded as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and has been committed to helping the West Midlands become even more sustainable, or more accurately, greener and more tolerant for everyone, both locals and visitors. The company does its part by acting as a catalyst for change through its advice, developing practical solutions with employees, and sharing knowledge and successes through communications.
New company values
Sustainability West Midlands has always recognised the importance of respecting diversity in its approach. In this case, “respect” is one of the company’s three core values. In 2021, the company officially recognised its commitment to the principles of sustainable development by including them in the 10 goals of its Business Plan until 2030. However, the company acknowledges that there is a challenge when it comes to equitable development in the sustainability sector. In doing so, Sustainability West Midlands hopes to ensure the following through the implementation of the Action Plan:
- to provide equal opportunities to people, regardless of whether they share a protected characteristic, and to those who do not;
- to provide equal opportunities to people, to create good relationships, regardless of whether they share a protected characteristic, and to those who do not;
- minimise the disadvantages that people face because they have a protected characteristic;
- always help by being aware of the needs of people belonging to protected groups, especially when they are different from those of other people;
- encourage people from protected groups to participate in activities where participation is disproportionately low.
In addition, Sustainability West Midlands’ role is to lead the West Midlands in achieving the national target of zero greenhouse gas emissions. And this should be done by 2050, while tackling health inequalities and promoting inclusive growth.
Clients of Sustainability West Midlands like the company’s independence, its role in facilitating collaboration across sectors and its commitment to communicating a clear vision for a better West Midlands. The local board of directors is made up of private sector representatives with cross-sectoral representation and is supported by a team of staff and partners.
As for the vision of Sustainability West Midlands, it is to make sure that the Sustainability Roadmap 2030, which was developed by the company with the help of employees and stakeholders from across the region, is used. The company promises to put pressure on, influence and support organisations to make or achieve real change in the West Midlands when it comes to sustainability.
In doing so, Sustainability West Midlands has set targets as a means of monitoring and reporting on the changes taking place in the region. The aim of these actions is to build on the goals and set even more ambitious targets for the region. At the same time, the role of the company itself is to provide an environment where stakeholders can innovate, collaborate, share best practices and celebrate successes. But the main thing is that these goals can be achieved.
Control. Reporting. Assurance.
How Sustainability West Midlands will monitor, report and ensure progress. To do this, there are eight target areas that cover the priority challenges facing the West Midlands, agreed with stakeholders. Each includes a vision statement and where data is available. Each year, the company prepares an annual review of progress against each theme.
The results of these annual reviews will be used to identify successes and challenges, as well as areas where action is needed. This information will influence change in the region and allow organisations to prioritise their own areas of activity. The role of Sustainability West Midlands is to help organisations do this and contribute to the Roadmap’s objectives by providing opportunities such as these:
The Innovative Zero Carbon Working Group is led by Sustainability West Midlands in partnership with the Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands. It is a cross-sector network that aims to build and connect the West Midlands’ zero carbon innovation ecosystem. It focuses in particular on the strengths of the local industrial strategy sector in low carbon technology, energy and clean growth, future mobility, and the circular economy.
Fruitful cooperation
The Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands is also responding to three of the four identified market strengths of the West Midlands Science and Innovation Audit 2017. These are energy storage and systems, next generation transport and sustainable construction – all of which are underpinned by low carbon activities.
The West Midlands Innovation Alliance meetings, held quarterly, aim to share information and best practice, and to stimulate new partnerships and collaborative activities that further drive innovation within and across the above sectors.
In addition, the West Midlands Innovation Alliance aligns its activities with national policy and strategy, such as the UK’s goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050, as well as the Clean Growth Strategy and the Industrial Strategy.
In general, it is a regular platform through which a variety of cross-sectoral organisations can come together to identify ways to collaborate to identify innovative ways to achieve specific zero emissions targets. Like other similar networks, the Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands regularly provides information and best practice. Facilitating opportunities for organisations to collaborate is a crucial aspect and something that needs to happen if the West Midlands is to become a leader in low carbon innovation.
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