This post may seem somewhat outside of the central topic of this blog, however it highlights the long-term planning of a forward looking European city towards a sustainable economic and social green future, in which broadband certainly assumes a central role.
Manchester authorities has recently released a Deloitte study labeled a “Mini Stern” which analyze how the city could take advantage of the shift to a low carbon economy. The city of Manchester has requested a report on the implications and impact on local economic growth of expected EU and national legislation towards a low carbon economy. The city plan is to prepare local and national business present in the area for necessary adjustments to low carbon legislation so as to reduce the impact on local economic conditions. The report indicates that Manchester’s economy could lose £21bn over the next twelve years if it fails to retool its workforce to take advantage of the impending shift to a low carbon economy.
You can read the full story at BusinessGreen.com.
“A green city is a healthy place to live, work and play. It is not just a city that has an abundance of green space, but it is a modern, vibrant and resilient city with its eye on the future. Ultimately, a ‘Green’ city is a place that people want to be”
A list of 10 targets has been set up to measure Manchester’s progress by:
- Target 1 – Reduce CO2 emissions
- Target 2 – Reduce contaminated land
- Target 3 – Increase recycling
- Target 4 – Environmental building standards
- Target 5 – Complete a City tree audit
- Target 6 – Decrease car use
- Target 7 – Extend the Metrolink
- Target 8 – Support renewable energy
- Target 9 – Improve water Quality
- Target 10 – Initiate three green initiatives a year
