Home of the Green Industrial Revolution
The West Midlands was at the heart of the first industrial revolution. Coal and steam powered a global explosion in growth that underpinned advances in science, medicine, transport and food production.
But we now know this came at a cost to our planet. Our region owes a debt to the world, and we want to give something back.
Building for the future
Leading the Green Industrial Revolution means growing our economy while protecting our natural resources and reversing damage to the environment.
“Our traditional industries are still some of the most polluting in the country, and the region remains over reliant on carbon-emitting forms of transport. But with the right investment, public and private, we can lead a transition to net zero that leaves nobody behind.”
Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands Combined Authority
Low carbon industries across the region are thriving, helping us reach our target of next zero emissions by 2041. The sector is worth over £12bn, employing nearly 100,000 people.
- Coventry & Warwickshire employs 28 times the UK average in electricity transmission
- The Black Country employs 5 times the UK average in securing recycled materials
- Birmingham and Solihull employs 5 times the UK average in building management systems and activities
Local colleges, universities and research companies are driving innovations in environmental solutions, creating unrivalled economic opportunities. Their efforts are focussed on greener transport, smarter energy and better resource management.
Our Green Industrial Revolution
- Download our prospectus for information on ways to invest in our low carbon sectors.
- Discover more about the West Midlands at COP26
COP26 Regional Roadshow West Midlands
While COP26 was in full flow in Glasgow, as part of the UK government’s ‘domestic COP26’ campaign, the WMCA held its own mini-COP-in-a-day!
The COP26 Regional Roadshow, which was co-funded by BEIS through the Midlands Energy Hub, drew together representatives from local and regional government, universities and research, and local industry. Its intention was clear from the outset: if we are going to achieve net zero – regionally, nationally and globally – we need to do that together. Civic leaders can set the vision and policy to create the green marketplace; businesses will respond to that market demand through innovation and entrepreneurship; and our universities will consistently research the technologies of the future, as well as skilling-up the next generation of solution-providers.
As you can see from this film of the event, the day was packed with energy, insights, challenges and opportunities – and we hope you enjoy it as much as everyone did on the day!
Clearly we’d like to thank all the speakers and other organisations that contributed to the day, but a massive thanks must go out to the University of Wolverhampton, and its School of Architecture and Built Environment, who hosted us and supported the event throughout.
But this event, or even COP26 itself, mustn’t be a one-off – it must be the catalyst and momentum for the development of new partnerships and the practical application of the strengths of the region as the Home of the Green Industrial Revolution, in delivering a net zero future for all.