Milton Keynes' very own climate conference unveils new green initiatives today

New green initiatives are being unveiled today at the inaugural Milton Keynes Low Carbon Conference.

As the world awaits climate pledges from global leaders attending COP26, Milton Keynes is hosting its own

event in CMK.

It is bringing together key people who are working to realise Milton Keynes’ ambition of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

News of increased funding to support the green aspirations of local businesses will be announced, while guest speakers from the council, businesses, charities and The Open University will highlight emerging low carbon transport plans and promote new initiatives to help us all live more sustainably in an urban environment.

Sponsored by the INTENSIFY project, the Milton Keynes Low Carbon Conference will be held at former council building, Saxon Court, which is at the heart of a highly sustainable redevelopment by mixed-use developers First Base, and investors Patron Capital.

The interactive event will start with an introduction from the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr Mohammed Khan, followed by an address by keynote speaker, Cllr Peter Marland who will highlight the plans for a low carbon Milton Keynes.

The event will conclude with workshops and a tour of Saxon Court’s green roof by Living Roof experts Bridgman & Bridgman.

Spaces were available for a limited number of participants to join in person but the proceedings can also be viewed live online here.

Jeremy Draper, Sustainability Manager for Milton Keynes Council, said: “This event is an opportunity to see some of the actions for carbon emissions reducing projects taking place in Milton Keynes to reach our stated goal of a zero carbon city by 2030.”

“The emphasis is on action rather than discussing ideas which may never happen. Examples of actions are the changes in transport in the city, from the uptake of private electric vehicles to the wholesale replacement of diesel buses with electric ones which has just received Government funding.

"Additional projects underway are the deep energy refurbishment of council owned buildings, including the Civic offices, housing, and schools. These actions are grounded in economic assessments which can be applied to the wider community in the Green business initiatives being promoted by the council, intended to help businesses become more resilient and cost effective as well as reduce emissions.”

Professor Nick Braithwaite, responsible for sustainability implementation at The Open University, said: “As an educator, we aim to help the UK work force to upskill and reskill to contribute to a renewable energy economy. We’re all about lifelong learning whether that’s through formal degrees, or free informal learning on OpenLearn, or through our work with broadcast media – look out for the Green Planet series on TV early next year.

"As a business, we have committed to divestment from fossil fuels by 2023, decarbonising our energy supplies by 2030. We want to collaborate in our local communities and support the council’s target to be a zero carbon city by 2030.”

For further information of the Milton Keynes Low Carbon Conference visit www.sustainablemk.city