New agreement to encourage RDAs on tackling climate change

North West Development Agency (NWDA) has signed an agreement with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) on behalf of England’s Regional Development Agency Network (RDAs). The agreement sets out broad priorities for co-operation between government and the RDAs in tackling climate change.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of NWDA said, ‘As lead RDA for DECC, the NWDA will ensure all RDAs are committed to supporting Government targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. We can show strong leadership on this agenda through developing the new Regional Strategies, by supporting energy and other low carbon technology through innovation, supply chain and skills development, as well as securing energy efficiency and carbon reductions for businesses through Business Link and related services.’

DECC’s permanent secretary, Moira Wallace said, ‘RDAs are crucial when it comes to tackling climate change at a regional level. Both DECC and RDAs want to see the development of low carbon regional economies, to secure sustainable energy supplies, to achieve climate and energy targets and to make sure businesses know what they can do to save energy and money on fuel bills.’

• developing low carbon, energy-efficient regional economies and driving economic recovery
• supporting the achievement of national climate change and energy targets through regional action
• stimulating market, supply chain and skills development and innovation to deliver low carbon technologies
• ensuring businesses are well informed about carbon reduction and energy efficiency opportunities/support and delivering reductions in practice.