Sustainability West Midlands names Top 50 green leaders for the region
Carillion’s chief engineer, the boss of the West Midlands Fire Service and a Gardener’s World presenter all feature in a newly-published list of the region’s Top 50 Green Leaders.
International Synergies’ Peter Laybourn, Prof Quentin Leiper CBE of Carillion and West Midlands Fire Service Chief Vijith Randeniya are some of the high-profile names recognised for driving the transition to a low carbon economy in the region.
There was also a place on the list for BBC Gardeners World’s Alys Fowler, who uses her garden and community work in Birmingham for the TV series The Edible Garden.
The 50 green leaders, drawn from the worlds of business, social enterprise, academia and the public sector, were honoured at a special event featuring environmental campaigner Jonathan Porritt.
Dr Simon Slater, executive director of Sustainability West Midlands, the organisation behind the list, said: “We were absolutely overwhelmed by the response and what it clearly shows is the appetite from the West Midlands to meet the 2020 Low Carbon vision.
“Our Top 50 Green Leaders features a diverse group of individuals who have all helped to implement and run activities that have had a positive environmental impact with additional social or economic benefits.
“There have been some excellent examples of low carbon innovation, communities tackling key green issues successfully and major public services, adjusting the way they work to be more eco-friendly.
“It proves the great ingenuity and spirit that was present when the West Midlands kicked off the high carbon revolution is still alive and well today as we invent the low carbon era.”
Other businesspeople recognised in the list include Barry Davies of AF Blakemore & Son, Dr Susan Juned of Greenwatt Technology, Andy Whyle of Ricoh UK Products, Sue Prince OBE of Beechenhill Farm, Tim Pollard of Wolseley UK and David Smith, former chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover.
Social enterprise is also well represented with Natasha Giaquinto of The Hive, Richard Beard of Jericho Foundation and Michael Lilley of MyTime CIC.
Cllr Paul Tilsley of Birmingham City Council, Ian Housley of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and Cllr Anthony Blagg of Worcestershire County Council are among 17 public sector leaders.
>> Full list on next page >>
