Circular Economy
Find out how we are kickstarting a Circular Economy for the West Midlands
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update
Supporting West Midlands residents, employers and workers
These are challenging and difficult times, but as we become accustomed to new ways of working and living, we aim to provide you with updated guidance and tips to help you, your colleagues and communities to thrive.
Environment
In June 2019, the WMCA declared a climate emergency and set a zero-carbon target for the West Midlands by 2041.
In 2020 we published a green paper to start a conversation about the actions required for the region to achieve its carbon target, whilst delivering an inclusive, prosperous, and fair transition that leaves nobody behind.
The analysis of the feedback from the consultation
coincided with the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and the WMCA produced “WM2041 – A Programme for Implementing an Environmental Recovery."
WMCA Environment Board
The Board was established to help WMCA become ‘best in class’ in terms of the delivery of ‘clean, inclusive and resilient growth’. The Board provides advice and support to WMCA activity, helping engage with wider stakeholder networks and activity, identify and scale up existing good practice within the WMCA area, and identify and secure resources to deliver new opportunities.
Our current programme activity is outlined below. You can find further information on our current activity in the Programme Activity section below.
We are currently producing the first Five Year Plan to accelerate our activity for delivering our net zero carbon target for 2041. The plan will be available in early 2021.
Latest Environment News
1 Mar 2021 - Work begins on new Sprint bus routes
25 Feb 2021 - WMCA funds new training centre for mechanics of electric vehicles
25 Feb 2021 - New 'accelerator' will grow start-ups that tackle climate change
24 Feb 2021 - £30m investment in bus services through Dudley, Sandwell and Birmingham
23 Feb 2021 - Better Streets fund helps Wolverhampton families to get into cycling
18 Feb 2021 - Ten startups pioneering new 5G tech in West Midlands
16 Feb 2021 - New Gigafactory planned for Coventry Airport
15 Feb 2021 - Young people launch a vision for the future of the region
15 Feb 2021 - New Dudley bus and Metro interchange given WMCA approval
12 Feb 2021 - WMCA Budget approved and environmental protection given top priority
11 Feb 2021 - HS2 Growth Strategy set to turbocharge recovery
9 Feb 2021 - Plans to restore railway station at Aldridge
8 Feb 2021 - New cycle hire scheme launches in Sutton Coldfeld
3 Feb 2021 - Draft 5-year plan published to achieve zero carbon by 2041
29 Jan 2021 - WMCA unveils plan for region's digital future
27 Jan 2021 - National Express to run new zero-emissions Sprint bus services
14 Jan 2021 - First glimpse of how Metro extension in Dudley will look
6 Jan 2021 - Coventry bids to become UK's first all-electric bus city
4 Jan 2021 - Black Country takes step towards clean growth revolution
23 Dec 2020 - Leading companies come together to set net-zero roadmap
22 Dec 2020 - New homes to be built on brownfield site in Telford
14 Dec 2020 - New hotline to help residents keep warm and cut energy bills
10 Dec 2020 - Cycle hire scheme launches pilot in Sutton Coldfield
9 Dec 2020 - WMCA shows trees are for life, not just for Christmas
Programme Activity
More about our programmes to reduce carbon emissions across the region by 2041
Natural Capital
The quality of our natural environment and the way it links with the built environment is directly linked to our own health and prosperity.
Buildings
We want to protect as much greenfield land as possible and so our Single Commission Framework prioritises brownfield sites.
Regional Energy Strategy
Decarbonising our energy system is a key priority in delivering net-zero carbon by 2041.
Transport
One of the biggest challenges facing the West Midlands is decarbonising the transport network.
5 tips for sustainable living
5 budget saving tips to help you cut your carbon footprint