ESSEX County Council has launched its Net Zero Innovation Network.

This new Network will bring together individuals from a wide range of education and business sectors across Essex. The aim is to support partnerships and drive innovation, helping Essex achieve its target of being a net zero carbon emissions county by 2050.

The Network will develop and deliver new projects which will be defined and owned by Network members. There is a particular focus on themes emerging from the Essex Climate Action Commission including: transport, energy, waste, the built environment, and land use and green infrastructure. 

Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Association, is the chair.  She will host three workshop sessions, over the course of 2021, with sessions being supported by task and finish groups. 

Cllr Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “The Net Zero Innovation Network is an exciting new partnership opportunity between ECC, our businesses and Universities to identify the opportunities to collaborate around innovative projects which will make a real difference; giving our residents and businesses the greatest opportunity for sustainable growth.”

Cllr Simon Walsh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: “Setting up this Network is the latest example of our commitment to take action against climate change.”

The Network is one of many schemes set up by Essex County Council as it takes action to achieve its net zero goal.

Other schemes include The Essex Energy Switch, Solar Together and The Essex Forest Initiative.