Centro strategy to form part of climate control debate at UN summit

UNITED NATIONS chiefs will today (Tuesday) hear how West Midlands transport bosses are tackling climate change.

Evidence from the public transport authority will form part of ambitious international plans to cut rises in the Earth’s temperature during a discussion at the UN’s Climate Summit in New York.
 
Organisations from the public and private sectors were asked to submit evidence of carbon cutting measures to help devise a global agreement to keep climate change high on the political agenda.
 
The event, set to be opened by film star and UN representative Leonardo Di Caprio, will showcase input from an array of experts from across the globe including green schemes being carried out by Centro.
 
The report submitted by Centro contains details of plans to cut carbon at its Birmingham headquarters (Centro House) and the three-year Smart Network, Smarter Choices project which aims to cut congestion in the West Midlands.
 
Smart Network, Smarter Choices is a partnership between Centro and the region’s seven local authorities and targets cutting carbon by 10,000 by the end of the project.
 
Evidence included:
 
•         Plans to create a carbon neutral site at Centro House
•         Introducing low and zero carbon technology at Centro House
•         Working with businesses, schools, colleges and universities to make it easier for staff and students to take public transport, walk or cycle
•         Free cycle training for residents
•         New or improved walking and cycling routes
 
Cllr Judith Rowley, Centro’s lead member for fair, accessible and sustainable transport, said: “Having the opportunity to contribute to this important global conversation means we can help shape the future of the planet for generations to come.
 
“Making it easier for people to take public transport, walk and cycle are all big contributors to helping reduce climate change in our region but we have also taken measures to cut or own emissions.
 
“By showcasing work from around the world at such a high profile event the UN are proving just how important the fight against climate change is.”
 
The summit targets a commitment from politicians across the globe to put in place measures to a limit rises in the Earth’s temperature to 2°C.