Birmingham Blueprint launched

Birmingham City Council’s ‘Birmingham Blueprint’, was launched on 24^th February. As a mapping study for low carbon refuelling infrastructure deployment across Birmingham, it sets out the key priorities and opportunities for low carbon fuel infrastructure for electric, hydrogen, gas, and liquid air.  The results show Birmingham has access to alternative fuels to the extent that low carbon vehicles, including local renewable electricity production as well as local bio-methane production could save up to 260,000 tonnes of CO₂ by 2035.

The completion of the study required strong engagement and contribution from local fleets and stakeholders from public and private sector organisations based in Birmingham. Fleet Managers showed great enthusiasm for developing a low carbon refuelling infrastructure which aligns with their own aspirations for reducing their carbon footprint as part of their social responsibility priorities and to increase business profitability.

Birmingham’s Green Commission, the City Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership are looking to building on the support of public and private sector Fleet Managers, their organisations, local stakeholders and the developing low/zero carbon re-fuelling industry, to implement the Birmingham Blueprint vision to ensure the city, its residents and its businesses all benefit from the multiple opportunities of the transition to a greener Birmingham.

The document is available to download at  www.makingbirminghamgreener/blueprint

Words by Richard Rees, Strategic Energy Officer
Birmingham City Council, West Midlands, UK