Programme

08:30

Registration and Coffee in the Networking Surgery

09:25

Chair's Opening Address
Chris Church (confirmed)
Chair of the UK Low Carbon Communities Network

09:35

Keynote Address
Gregory Barker (invited)
Minister of State for Climate Change
“The Green Society”
Empowering the public and local authorities to deliver the future of sustainable development and help take responsibility for their environment.

10:00

Professor Robert Watson (confirmed)
Chief Scientific Advisor, DEFRA
The UK has a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of new technologies, innovations and energy solutions. An evidence and research base can support a strong, innovative and sustainable green economy. What skills, capabilities and expertise do we need to develop to manage the future demands of a changing climate?

10:20

Main Sponsor

10:35 - 10:55

Question and Answer Session

11:00

Masterclass Session 1
A series of Masterclasses will run throughout the day. You have the opportunity to pick a stream from the following three topics - Innovations and New Technologies; The Big Society Green Challenge or The Natural and Built Environment.

11:45

Coffee in the Networking Surgery

12:30

Masterclass Session 2

13:15

Lunch in the Networking Surgery

14:15

Masterclass Session 3

15:00

Coffee in the Networking Surgery

15:30

Chair's Afternoon Address
Chris Church

15:40

Panel Debate
“Harnessing the Energy of Communities”
The Coalition has plans for community schemes to help create jobs, energy-efficiencies and generate significant financial savings through economies of scale. How will government policies help to remove the barriers that prevent communities from taking action? How will these policies be managed in practice and what role will local authorities have to play? The panel will also discuss how best to support enterprise, innovation and growth in the green economy.

Neil Jefferson (invited)
Chief Executive, Zero Carbon Hub

Jonathan Tillson (confirmed)
Head of Sustainable Development Unit, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Craig Bennett (confirmed)
Policy and Campaigns Director, Friends of the Earth

16:25

Case Study
Ian Watkins (invited)
Energy Management Unit, Bristol City Council
“Promoting a sustainable energy future for local communities.”
Discussing some of the innovative schemes undertaken by Bristol City Council, such as reinvesting tariff savings made into improving the energy efficiency of council properties.

16:45

Closing Keynote Address
Peter Madden (invited)
Chief Executive, Forum for the Future
“Towards Greener Communities”
Can the Big Society political agenda really help make our communities greener?

17:05

Question and Answer Session

17:10

Chair's Closing Remarks

17:15

Conference Close