The Environmental Audit Committee, chaired by Joan Walley MP, has launched an inquiry into Government plans to establish a Green Investment Bank.
The investigation will examine the role that the Green Investment Bank could play and the specific areas it should operate in. The Committee will also explore how possible funding and governance options can maximise the Bank’s effectiveness.
The inquiry follows the announcement by the The Coalition of its intention to create a Green Investment Bank. The Bank is intended to provide some of the £0.5 trillion some independent experts estimate that the UK needs to invest in green infrastructure to meet statutory targets to tackle climate change and increase energy from renewable sources.
The Government will outline its proposals for after the Comprehensive Spending Review in October 2010. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills ‘Structural Reform Plan’ expects to develop proposals for the Bank by April 2011.
The Committee is interested in receiving written evidence that looks at:
-
the significance of any barriers or ‘market failures’ requiring the establishment of a Green Investment Bank, and any risks of not getting this done quickly;
-
the objectives and roles the Green Investment Bank should assume, the areas it should operate (and not operate) in, and how its lending and investment decisions should balance green benefits against financial risks;
-
the Green Investment Bank’s investment priorities, and whether and how the bank should support and foster areas where the UK has emerging green technology strengths; and
-
the funding and governance structures required to create an effective and accountable body, including the role of ‘green bonds’.
The Committee is inviting organisations and members of the public to submit written evidence setting out their views by Friday 15 October 2010.
Amiblu, a global leader in Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) pipe systems for wastewater, stormwater, drinking water, irrigation, hydropower, and industrial applications, has announced the appointment of Martyn Turton as its Sales Director for the UK & Ireland, driving strategic market development in the infrastructure and water sectors, effective immediately.
As a project manager at Metasphere, a Grundfos-owned remote telemetry company at the cutting edge of innovation, Fey McHarg, has witnessed firsthand how the intelligent harnessing of data, specifically through the data-as-a-service model, is fundamentally reshaping and revolutionising the water sector.
Attendees at next month’s National Civils Show, Floodex, National Drainage Show and Waterways Management on 26th and 27th November are set to benefit from an expert speaker line-up and the opportunity to visit a wide range of exhibitors all co-located in one place at Excel, London, one of the UK’s leading international exhibition and convention centres.
Tackling leakage is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways for utilities to bolster water security, writes Ben Crabtree, Product Line Director, Ovarro, revealing how the potential of smart technologies is being demonstrated around the world.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.