Workshop 3. 21 October, 08:30 - 09:30
General
A weighty document. Keep it high level and generic.
In terms structure - be specific under thematic headings relevant for N Wales: what we want to achieve, and what we will have delivered by 2040.
Regional challenges
Gaps within the document are: tourism, recycling, land management, procurement.
Welsh language so important – not enough emphasis.
Cross border collaboration is missing.
Must be aligned with Net Zero Plan.
Nothing on resource Management, and how/what we are doing, contibutes to greenhouse gas emission i.e. climate change, adaptation or failing that, mitigation.
Low carbon public transport needs to be included.
Uncertainties about environmental impact of major developments, this can be resolved and facilitated, by implementing research programs, gathering statistical evidence, and making this information, available at the start of the process
Need to persuade the agricultural sector to self-assess their carbon footprint. There may be some opposition to this across all sectors - a change of mindset is needed.
Nuclear energy part of the framework, is wide-ranging; no mention of solar or marine; needs to be explored. Too focused on nuclear.
Skills Development – need to ensure balance between supply and demand, in view of industry’s needs, and ensure businesses are adequately informed.
Need to educate children from a young age, to explain climate change, and importance of low/zero carbon lifestyles, to inspire them to follow it as a career path.
Very little on housing sector by 2040.
Need to display how we are going to go about becoming net zero, using what we already have, and not necessarily creating a new sector.
Regional opportunities
Local people, carrying out local jobs, are important in reducing Carbon emissions.
It is important that we use these opportunities to begin developing a low carbon region: if we don’t act now, it will no longer be an ‘opportunity’ but a ‘threat’.
Low Carbon Economy tends to be UK Government related. A challenge and an opportunity, would be more collaborative working between UK Gov/Welsh Gov and North Wales Economic Ambition Board
Opportunity for collaboration between public and private sector on larger projects and attracting investment into N Wales.
Low carbon energy jobs also come in restoration, natural forest, conservation, marine science - need to realise these as opportunities.
Opportunity with UK Government’s heating and building strategy, to bring in new sector of heat pumps; cross border reference – some things cannot be achieved alone.
Opportunity for large sectors to assist in achieving Net zero target, by engaging with people, to show the types of jobs they are offering, different career routes available, and closer engagements with schools and universities.
Bring in the circular economy, making more use of resources and related opportunities
Regional priorities - paving the way for 2040 vision
Need to focus on 2 or 3 things, that will make the most impact.
Focus also needed on timeline, as there may be implications if we don’t hit the net zero targets – you can’t really come back and improve, as it will be too late.
Need to recognise and be proud of the differences and strengths within the region.
The importance of changing behavior is a priority; how we work together to make difficult decisions; there needs to be behavioural change and a shift of mindset.
Priorities should be looked at afresh, rather than focus on what already exists in the Growth Deal; agricultural sector and land use are an essential part of these discussions.
Decarbonising the energy network and transport – be specific about priorities, and highlight what we can action and influence. Recognise that we can action a few but, influence a lot.
Concentrate on areas for real business growth and the economy in North Wales.
Examine big investment providers, and how we can build on the foundations we have in the region; examine indigenous and inward investment strategies, and how both are required in N Wales.
Need to support local communities to reduce their carbon footprint; important to match all local plans already underway.
Education needs to prepare learners for the world of work, raising awareness of challenges and opportunities across the sector; need clear ‘sector route pathways’ into this way of working; strengthen the links between education and employment
Ensure that the Energy Strategy for North Wales, is part of the document, and reflected across all sectors.
Energy efficiency within housing stock, is a priority.
Future Regional collaborative working principles
Ensure consensus on the framework, content to inform WG projects and plans for the future.
To work together well, we need to recognise and be proud of the differences and strengths within the region.
Joint working in terms of training and employment - tracking from early schooling, all the way to university, linking to careers.
We do not want to put off investment to the region. Need to be proactive, building trust and relationships (as has been done before with the WDA).
Need to be more specific about who we are working with - local businesses, small, medium size businesses; ensure there is real collaboration, real businesses, and real people.
Need to clearly identify roles: what’s the role of the NWEAB? Who is involved? Who has ownership and accountability? Need more detail on how we will work, to make sure REF is delivered. Currently appears to be more of a set of WG internal values.
Apply 5 ways of working from Future Generations Act, use that as a way of more involvement, long-term working, use it as a tool to help, it could be applied better.