The role of entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship is vital for innovation in the battle against climate change. Several entrepreneurs in the sustainability field were present to discuss their companies and approach.

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Dr. Jochen Weilepp, Prof. Bob Cywinski and Graham Rice

Right people needed

“The entrepreneurs and scientists you see before you all make a difference to the economics and technology of a low-carbon world. These practical examples show what a great deal is being done behind the scenes in many companies and research institutes, around Europe and further afield, to bring low-carbon solutions into cities and businesses. Certainly we need the right legal frameworks – but we need the right people too.”

Mike Rolls, Director, Business Development, Sustainability and Government Affairs, Siemens UK Energy Sector

Right technology is vital

“The move to large cities brings vast challenges. We need clear mechanisms for technologies like carbon capture and storage so that we can spell out the rewards on offer. There are a lot of good ideas around for carbon reduction in power engineering, but the mechanisms are not sufficiently robust. We have to guard against developing the wrong products in the wrong markets – for the good of generations to come.” Download speech

Stand-alone unit is future

“Solarcentury stands at the forefront of one of the fastest-growing emerging developments in the world. The buildings of the future are going to be stand-alone power units. This is the path to zero carbon capability. Half of our emissions come directly and indirectly from buildings. Costs are being squeezed out of the process – so solar will be at parity with other forms of electricity within a few years.”

Dr. John Williams, Polymers & Materials Manager, National Non-Food Crops Centre

Time for innovation

"There has never been a better time to start innovative processes in order to link up different strands of scientific thinking in a powerful economic and political cause. We at the NNFCC are doing all in our power to promote positive change at the industry level to accompany the progress being made nationally and internationally in the political sphere."