Unlocking city decarbonisation
Amberside Advisors and Steer are delighted to host a panel of experts to discuss pathways to commercialising net zero projects and accelerating decarbonisation in local areas.
Unlocking city decarbonisation
Hybrid event | Wednesday 22 May
In-person, Leeds @ 7.30-9.30am BST
Online @ 8.00-9.00am BST
About the event
At this hybrid event brought to you by Amberside Advisors and Steer as part of The Rethink Rooms event series, we will explore the challenges local authorities face in delivering net zero targets and look at practical and investable solutions for accelerating decarbonisation across all sectors.
We have assembled an expert panel from across the political, academic, investor, and local and central Government spectrum to offer a variety of insights on how cities can speed up the transition to net zero in an equitable way.
With the deadline looming for achieving net zero, it is time to act and deliver the projects and policies that will bring our local communities closer to a decarbonised future.
The discussion will focus on how to:
- Build consensus with residents and businesses;
- Structure projects to attract investment and unlock the right financing options;
- Build effective public and private sector partnerships to enable successful project delivery.
All while acknowledging the challenging landscape of budget constraints, limited resources and the need for integrated planning and cross-sector collaboration.
Hosted by Shivali Mathur, Associate for Energy Transition, Amberside Advisors
Our event coincides with UKREiiF Annual Event 2024, so consider visiting us in person, if you are registered to attend the conference in Leeds.
The in-person session will take place in Horizon Leeds venue at Brewery Wharf, 8min walk to Leeds Dock for UKREiiF.
Meet the speakers
Join us in a conversation with leading experts on how we can accelerate the delivery of net zero policies and projects in local areas. This insightful discussion promises open dialogue among the panel and our live and online audience. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative conversation driving sustainable change.
Dr Leanne Wilson
Energy Accelerator Programme Manager, North East Combined Authority
Dr Leanne Wilson is an Energy Accelerator Programme Manager at North East Combined Authority which supports local authorities to develop business cases for low carbon investment. Her PhD research focused on adaptation and social vulnerability, and she has worked on climate change and sustainability for over 20 years in the public and not-for-profit sectors across the North East. Before joining NECA, she worked at Tees Valley Combined Authority, managing the programme for the North East Yorkshire and Humber Local Energy Hub which aimed to facilitate collaboration in the region to accelerate the delivery of local energy projects.
Colin Blackburn
Assistant Director Housing, Infrastructure & Planning, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
At SYMCA, Colin leads on the development of strategic policy, strategy and investment projects and programmes covering housing and regeneration; digital, flooding and energy/net zero infrastructure; the nuclear SMR agenda; and working with Local Planning Authorities to align spatial planning policy and delivery across South Yorkshire. Prior to joining SYMCA, Colin spent 11 years working for Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as the Leeds City Region Head of Infrastructure and Investment, and before that, 5 years at the North East Assembly where he was responsible for preparing both the North East Regional Spatial Strategy and the Regional Transport Plan.
Prof Jillian Anable
Chair in Transport and Energy, University of Leeds
Prof. Jillian Anable is a Professor of Transport & Energy at the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds. She specialises in understanding travel behaviour, climate change and energy policy, particularly emphasising the potential for demand-side solutions. She has developed methods of applying social psychological theories of behaviour and market segmentation techniques to assess the potential to influence travel, vehicle choice and energy behaviours, and her research is policy focused.
Patrick Allcorn
Head of Local Energy, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Patrick is the head of the local energy team at DESNZ which was created to help DECC support and develop energy solutions at a local level. Previously Patrick has been responsible for the design and implementation of the Domestic RHI, having joined that team in early 2012. Prior to this appointment, he was responsible for community energy in DECC. He set up the LEAF project that enabled over 200 communities to set up local energy schemes in 2012. Before joining DECC, Patrick worked for Transport for London and the London Borough of Croydon.
Andrew Farrimond
Infrastructure Sector Lead, Aviva
Andrew heads up the infrastructure strand of Aviva plc’s group investment arm, Aviva Capital Partners, using direct equity to make places and communities more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable. Andrew has worked in infrastructure for over fifteen years, including roles in structured finance for the Royal Bank of Scotland and, until recently, in the Infrastructure and Projects Authority advising central government on major programmes. He began his career in strategy consulting and has also served as an Army Officer in the Royal Engineers.