Environment Commission
Greater Manchester’s Environment Commission started work in 2009 with 19 board members co-ordinating with partner organisations to tackle climate change, energy, water, green infrastructure, transport, waste and other issues.
Our vision is to move Greater Manchester from red brick to green brick; to build on our former industrial heritage to a future that is ever greener and cleaner.
What we do
We prepare and co-ordinate the delivery of strategic plans and projects; work with organisations which impact on GM’s environmental performance; help to co-ordinate and deliver an effective response to climate change; and help to develop a comprehensive city regional sustainable waste management approach.
We provide a forum for the discussion and consultation on environmental matters of common concern and interest.
We also channel views to the Local Government Association, central government and other bodies and organisations, and provide a means of contact and liaison with institutions of the European Communities, to advance the interests of Greater Manchester in Europe and elsewhere in the world.
Due to the cross-cutting nature of environmental issues, we need strong collaboration with all AGMA Commissions and other organisations
Who are we?
The Commission is one of seven new organisations set up by AGMA through an agreement with the Government which could lead to increasing powers for the city region.
An impressive range of individuals have been recruited to the Commission. The Commissioners are unpaid for their role, and meet every two months.
Chair: Councillor Dave Goddard (Stockport)
Vice Chair: Lynda Shillaw – Managing Director (Property) Co-operative Group.
Councillors:
Mark Alcock (Oldham)
Richard Cowell (Manchester)
David Molyneux (Wigan)
Catherine Piddington (Tameside)
James Wibberley (Trafford)
Private and Third Sector Appointments:
Andy Cliffe – Strategy Director, MAG
Keith Davidson – Environment Partner, Pannone
Roger Milburn – Director, Arup
Anne Selby – Chief Executive Officer, Wildlife Trust
Strategic Advisers:
Keith Ashcroft –Director, Environment Agency
David Higham – Regional Director, Government Office North West
Angie Robinson – Chief Executive, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Ian McAulay – Managing Director of Capital Programmes, United Utilities plc
Councillor Neil Swannick – Chair, Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority
David Hytch – Information Systems Director, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.
The Commission also has a strategy team of officers led by the Chief Executive of Oldham Council Charlie Parker, supported by Strategic Director Mike Reardon.
Our Priorities
The Commission is currently establishing its priorities. There are a host of exciting opportunities and all Commissioners are very committed to delivering environmental quality improvements across the city region.
As part of the Greater Manchester city region pilot, one of two national pilots recently announced by government, a range of projects are being negotiated with national government in the following areas:
- Climate Resilience:
- Low Carbon Energy decision making and capacity
- Retrofit (domestic, commercial and municipal)
- Low carbon transport
- Low carbon economic areas (defined spatial areas in which to pilot joined up delivery).
We say
Chair, Councillor Dave Goddard said: "I'm delighted our Environment Commission has a top-class group of senior figures representing all sectors in the Greater Manchester region.
"Climate change is the most serious issue facing our communities now and for generations to come. It affects our economy, our lifestyles and our health. It is vital we act now to ensure that we move into the future in a greener, cleaner way, that we pass on a healthier planet to future generations. The new Greater Manchester Environment Commission is an essential vehicle to help us do just that."
GM Low Carbon Economic Area
