Programme

If you are interested in joining the speaker panel, please contact:

Bhavya Singh
020 3953 2442
Bhavya.Singh@emap.com

08:30 – 09:00

Registration & Networking

09:00 – 09:05

Chair’s Opening Remarks

09:05 – 09:30

Opening keynote: Great British Energy

Discover the vision behind Great British Energy and its role in driving the UK’s transition to sustainable energy. This keynote addresses strategy, impact, and the future of Britain’s energy landscape.

  • Exploring the vision and strategy behind Great British Energy.
  • Examining its role in the UK’s transition to sustainable energy.

09:30 – 10:15

Panel discussion: Green growth: myth or reality?

This panel explores the financial realities, policy impact, and whether investments are truly driving change or just greenwashing the status quo.

  • Balancing immediate funding with long-term financial strategies for green growth.
  • Assessing if policies and investments drive real impact or greenwashing.

Speakers confirmed:

Victoria Jeffrey , Head of Climate Action & Sustainability, Sutton LBC

Cllr Julian Dean , Green Party: Senior Local Government Political Adviser, Shropshire Council

Lorna Pimlott , Managing Director, Local Authority Advisory and Lending, National Wealth Fund

10:15-10:45

Morning refreshments and networking break

11:15 – 12:00

Panel discussion: Confronting the inevitable EV transformations in the near future

With this panel will address the need and challenges for into a future of EV travel and transport planning, and the role of devolution Combined Authorities in EV adoption, while assessing the feasibility of hydrogen as a potential alternative fuel.

  • Preparing for the shift to EVs and its challenges.
  • Devolution and the future of nation-wide transport planning
  • The role of CAs in EV bus procurement and infrastructure.
  • Hydrogen as an alternative fuel?

 

Speakers confirmed:

Mark Fletcher , EV Lead, London Councils

Miltyanna Antone , Parking policy officer, Lewisham LBC

Panel discussion: Time to LAEP-making localised energy plans a reality

This session will discuss what is the value of developing a local area energy plan (LAEP) to deliver net zero targets more effectively at the regional level while providing answers to the following action areas:

  • How do you go about it?
  • Long-term vision: energy plans essentials for GB energy.
  • Short-term actions: breaking the dream vision into 4–5-year actionable plans


Speakers confirmed:

Fiona Brazill, Head of Proposition for Sustainability and Net Zero, Capita Public Services

Diane Neville, Principal Planning Policy Officer, Lancaster City Council

12:00 - 12:20

Sponsor showcase

Sponsor showcase

12:25 - 12:45

Sponsor showcase

Sponsor showcase

12:45 - 14:00

Networking lunch

14:00 - 14:45

Panel discussion: Enabling Net Zero-friendly procurement practises

In this session we will inspect sustainable purchasing strategies, policy innovation, and how councils can leverage the Procurement Act 2023 to overcome barriers and embed Net Zero into decision-making.

  • Driving sustainable procurement through policy and innovation.
  • Overcoming barriers to Net Zero-aligned purchasing decisions.
  • How can councils use the Procurement Act 2023?

 

Speakers confirmed:

Trevor Nicoll , Director of Operations, St Helens Council

Annie Pickering , Operations Director, Climate Emergency UK

Shanika Mahendran , Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Milton Keynes City Council

Panel discussion: Greening the housing stock amidst housing crisis

With panel discussion we will learn to strive the balance between affordability and sustainability, innovative retrofitting solutions, and the importance of place-based approaches to meet local needs.

  • Balancing the need for affordable housing with sustainability goals.
  • Exploring innovative solutions for retrofitting and green building practices
  • Place based retrofit: tailoring plans to meet local needs

 

Speakers confirmed:

Philip Glanville, Director of Advocacy and Engagement,  UK100

Cllr Scott Patient , Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate Action and Housing, Calderdale MBC

Mhairi Adams , Climate Emergency Service Manager, Wokingham BC

Helen Burridge , HCCSP manager, Herts Climate Change & Sustainability Partnership

Victor Equere , Climate Programme Manager, Pendle BC

14:45 – 15:10

Sponsor showcase

Sponsor showcase

15:10 - 15:25

Networking-refreshment break

15:25 - 16:00

Information Xchange – Find your Tribe!

Reality check for Net Zero targets and various areas of focus:

  1. Waste, recycling, and awareness
  2. Scope 3 emissions
  3. Rural transport
  4. Heat networks
  5. Net Zero capacity building

Speakers confirmed:

Sam Kennedy , Director: Environment & Climate Action, Essex County Council

Jess Miller , Project Officer, Suffolk Climate Change Partnership

16:00 - 16:25

Case study

16:25- 16:55

Closing keynote: Local government reform and the race for Net Zero- boost or bane?

This closing keynote explores the impact of devolution and collaboration in driving sustainable progress at the local level.

  • How to ensure devolution in England helps achieve Net Zero?
  • How can combining local authorities accelerate progress towards sustainability?

    • Speaker confirmed:

    Tom Stannard , Chief Executive, Manchester City Council

16:55

Chair’s closing remarks. End of conference.