THINK GLOBAL: ACT LOCAL

Introduction

WMCA has an important role to play in providing leadership on the low carbon transport agenda, tackling real-world environmental challenges and in contributing to the solutions, including addressing the environmental impact of its activities and operations. We are serious about carbon reduction and climate change and we will therefore take an active leadership role to influence others.

 

5 Year Strategy Objectives

Gold:

Ref. LI-01
Become the regional centre of knowledge and know-how on environmental sustainability for our transport partners and stakeholders.
Support the introduction of zero and low emission vehicles used by public transport and fleet operators to reduce GHG emissions and improve air
quality.
Support the rail industry to use low carbon energy sources to minimise rail’s carbon footprint and be energy efficient across rail infrastructure and
operations.
Support research, development and the piloting of alternative fuel technologies with transport and fleet operators.
Promote sustainable development at key locations. Maximise local, national and European funding opportunities to implement low carbon projects,
technology, research and development and/or green growth solutions and pilots.
Work with public transport operators to reduce Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) emissions from bus fleets through commitments
in the Bus Alliance and improving contractual requirements for subsidised bus services.

 

Silver:

Ref. LI-02

Provide guidance and support partner and stakeholder organisations to improve their environmental performance e.g. sharing best practice and
support third party accreditations such as the Carbon Trust Standard and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.
Provide a platform for sharing knowledge into sustainable transport trends and pertinent environmental issues.
Deliver the West Midlands Cycling Charter Action Plan, adopting a shared vision and approach to increase cycling levels across the West Midlands
with the target of increasing levels of cycling to 5% of all trips by 2023.
Encourage stewardship of the local environment by working with key stakeholders, e.g. local communities, employers, College and Universities to
encourage green travel options

 

Bronze:

Ref. LI-03

Ensure that we have a greener public transport system with better travel choices. Raise awareness of sustainable travel options.
Utilise existing networks to provide expertise on the roll out of zero and low emission vehicles.
Continue working with partners and stakeholders on the low carbon agenda and the local and wider benefits this can bring.

 

PROGRAMMES:

The programmes that help support the achievement of the 5 year objectives include:

 

a) Working with strategic partners to Influence and provide leadership on the environment. For example:

• International level – Through UITP Sustainability Charter
• National and regional level – Lobbying groups, Sustainability West Midlands, West Midlands Climate Change Partnership, Urban Transport Group.
• Local level - Movement for Growth, West Midlands Bus Alliance, Metro Alliance, West Midlands Rail and Freight Strategy commitments.

 

b) Working with public transport operators to influence and provide leadership on the environment. For example:

• Supporting low emissions public transport (e.g. hybrid and electric buses)
• Ticketing, promotions, providing customer information etc.
• Partnership agreements, West Midlands Bus Alliance, Transforming Rail Travel, Statutory Quality Bus Partnership Schemes.

 

 

c) Working with other partners and stakeholders to reduce carbon. For example:

• Freight Industry
• High Speed 2 (HS2)
• Local Enterprise Partnerships
• Local Authorities
• Embedding low carbon messages in appropriate strategies
• Cycling Charter Action Plan
• Low Emissions Towns & Cities Programme
• Local businesses as a stakeholder through the Chambers of Commerce and the Business Improvement Districts.