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West Midlands Combined Authority unveils zero-carbon homes climate plan

Businesses, councils and residents across the West Midlands are being urged to become more eco-friendly by using electric vehicles, planting trees and building low-energy homes as part of a new report on tackling climate change.

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Picture: Getty
Picture: Getty
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West Midlands Combined Authority unveils plan to tackle climate change #ukhousing

New report on tackling climate change in the West Midlands focuses on more eco-friendly development #ukhousing

New zero-carbon standard for new homes suggested as part of West Midlands climate change report #ukhousing

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has published its #WM2041 report, which is “intended to start the conversation on tackling climate change in the region”, the authority said.

It contains 74 recommendations that people can take to limit the impact of climate change and achieve carbon neutrality before 2041.

The steps include introducing a zero carbon standard for new build homes, implementing a tree-planting programme and changing lighting to LED bulbs across the region in order to save energy.

It also suggested that planning authorities should consider their response to the need for ‘environmentally progressive development’ – which could mean encouraging investment in modern methods of construction to deliver future-proofed housing development.


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Work could also be done to retrofit existing homes, making them more energy efficient and tackling fuel poverty at the same time, the report said.

All this could be part of a West Midlands ‘new green deal’ to finance the work.

The document is expected to be approved by the WMCA’s board next week, and it will then be subject to a six-week period of public engagement.

Ian Courts, portfolio lead for environment at the WMCA and leader of Solihull Council, said: “The West Midlands once led the world in the industrial revolution, bringing wealth, innovation and opportunities to the people of the region. It is only right that the West Midlands should now be leading a new, green revolution which will protect and enhance both our environment and our economy.”

He said that the authority wants to tackle climate change in a way that “reflects and respects the heritage and the people of the region”.

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