October connect: Social and community news from IEMA

4th October 2019


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The IEMA community's news for October.

What's the buzz about Pollinator Parks?

Climate Action North's project aims to boost pollinating insect numbers – vital for the environment and food production

An initiative to support the survival of pollinating insect populations such as butterflies and bees on industrial and retail parks throughout the North of England is open for business. Led by community interest company Climate Action North, the Pollinator Park Project sees the planting of native British 'pollinator-friendly' wildflowers on land that would otherwise be left unused.

Scientific evidence shows that insect numbers around the world are declining at an alarming rate, with bees, ants and beetles disappearing eight times faster than mammals, birds or reptiles.

Climate Action North managing director Sharon Lashley said: “Bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects are vital contributors to the beauty of our landscapes and our economy. The decline of pollinating insects will affect the health of our £100bn food industry, which is at the heart of our economy. “The functions performed by pollinating insects are believed to be worth £690m each year to the UK's economy alone, and without this service, some of our food will become a lot harder to grow and more expensive.“ The Pollinator Park project was launched at the Business Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland in March 2019, and incorporated pollinator-friendly wildflowers such as red campion, moth mullein, primrose and dandelion. David Howell, operations director of the BIC, said: “We're very proud to host the first garden as part of this worthy project, which is not only helping to provide a pleasant outside area for our tenants but also contributing to a more sustainable environment. The area has already transformed into a haven for wildlife and a number of pollinator species have been spotted, which is fantastic to see!“ If you would like to take action and get involved with the Pollinator Park Project, contact Sharon Lashley at [email protected]

What's on this month

17 October Solent Network Green Drinks

Come along to meet other members in the region and find out more about plans for events and activities that will influence environmental policy in your area. As regular fixtures in the calendar, these evenings provide a unique opportunity for members to network, share learning and discuss environmental issues.

To register: bit.ly/SolentNETWORK

24 October Successfully planning for infrastructure in Wales

With the emergence of new policies including the National Development Framework and the Planning Policy Wales – Edition 10, this event, organised by Waterfront, will provide updates on the impact these policies will have on infrastructure planning, as well as addressing how to overcome the biggest barriers facing the planning of new infrastructure in Wales.

Discounted tickets are available to IEMA members here: www.iema.net/affinity-partnerships

7 November South East region networking social and CV review

This event provides a focal point for discussions on environmental policy, legislation and regulation, alongside networking opportunities and professional development for members in the region. This is a regular fixture in the calendar, providing an opportunity for members from within and outside the network to meet. A limited number of CV review sessions are also available.

To book, go to bit.ly/SE_IEMANetwork

27-28 November IEMA Sustainability and Climate Change Theatre at EMEX

Taking place as part of EMEX at ExCeL London, the IEMA Sustainability and Climate Change Theatre gives you the chance to hear about effective energy, carbon and climate change techniques and opportunities for change from industry experts.

The sessions are free to attend on either or both days of the event. By attending the IEMA Theatre at EMEX, you can also access the entire exhibition and enjoy the CPD-accredited seminar programme of approximately 80 sessions spread across five topical theatres.

To register, go to bit.ly/IEMAinEMEX

IEMA member leads the world in wellbeing excellence

A newly published directory reveals that Georgia Elliott-Smith, BEng CEnv MIEMA of Element 4 is the world's leading Fitwel consultant on schemes outside the US, with more projects having achieved, or working towards, certification than any other practice worldwide. Fitwel is a building certification that aims to promote good health and wellbeing in building users.

The global Fitwel project directory, published in August by the Center for Active Design, showed that architecture firms Perkins & Will and Gensler lead the pack, but between them, they have only seven projects outside the US. Georgia is in third place globally, with eight projects, all in the UK. This makes Georgia the single most successful individual consultant working with clients to achieve Fitwel certification in the world.

Symphony Chau of the Center for Active Design said: “We incredibly value the feedback, meaningful collaboration, and strategic efforts that Ms Elliott-Smith and other consultants bring to strengthen the Fitwel Standard and its applicability within the global real estate industry.“ Visit fitwel.org/project-directory to see the full list of registered and certified Fitwel projects. Georgia's profile can also be viewed at fitwel.org/ambassadors, where she is a featured ambassador

Sustainable development goals: Harnessing business to achieve the SDGs through finance, technology and law reform

Edited by Julia Walker, Alma Pekmezovic and Gordon Walker This book discusses how to invest existing financial resources and realign the financial system to reflect SDGs. It explores blockchain, big data, and fintech and regtech applications, while underscoring the relevance of sustainable, transparent supply chains. There is also a focus on accelerating progress through SME financing, crowd funding, peer-to-peer lending and tax restructuring. Published by John Wiley, RRP £60

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