Hunt is on for Shropshire’s green leaders
The search is on for this year’s eco pioneers following the launch of the ‘Green Leaders’ competition today.
Sustainability West Midlands’ Dr Simon Slater is urging Shropshire’s most influential people to step forward in a bid to address the leadership gap and promote the skills needed to drive the low carbon agenda.
The competition, which is only in its 2nd year, will look to promote and celebrate the achievements of some of the leading policy makers, green entrepreneurs and environmental ambassadors from the public, business and voluntary sectors.
If successful, the ‘leaders’ will be invited to use this new platform to share and pass on their experiences and knowledge to the next generation of professionals, not to mention developing new solutions around Government initiatives like the Local Enterprise Partnerships.
They will join last year’s winners to form a growing influential peer group that is helping put the West Midlands on the global map for its expertise in low carbon vehicles, housing and community action.
“300 years ago men and women from the region started the industrial revolution; now is the time to highlight the people that are going to be responsible for driving the green revolution,” explained Simon.
“Put simply, who will be joining the statues of the heroes of our industrial past in 100 years time?
“Green Leaders is open to Shropshire individuals from different sectors and stages of their careers with an emphasis on being able to demonstrate ‘green’ impact with additional social or economic benefit above their everyday role.”
Sustainability West Midlands is now seeking entries for the competition with the closing date of September 12th at 9am.
The Green leaders will be announced at the organisation’s annual conference, which this year will be themed ‘West Midlands priorities for a sustainable 2020; where next on our journey?’
All of the awards will be presented by international green campaigner Sara Parkin, OBE.
Simon concluded: “Low carbon is at the top of both the business and Government agendas and we are looking to ensure our region is at the forefront of best practice.
“The competition is a great way of promoting excellence in the West Midlands and will play an important role in developing the next generation of professionals and promoting the need for best practice and innovation.”
Sustainability West Midlands, the sustainability adviser for the leaders of the West Midlands, shares a vision where business and communities thrive in a region that is environmentally sustainable and socially just.
It is a private sector led, cross sector and not-for-profit organisation which acts as a catalyst for change through advice to leaders, developing practical solutions with members and sharing success through its communications and events programme.
This year the competition is being supported by the Prince’s May Day Network, Midlands Environmental Business Club, West Midlands Councils and the Low Carbon Communities Network.
To download the nomination form or register to attend the conference, visit www.sustainabilitywestmidlands.org.uk or contact 0121 237 5890 / enquiries@swm.org.uk
