COP26: Climate Action in KQ Liverpool
As the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) gets underway this weekend, we explore the sustainability-driven and net-zero carbon projects which are planned or ongoing in Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool).
What is COP26?
The COP26 summit, taking place in Glasgow 31 October – 12 November 2021, will bring together Parties to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Parties include the signatories of the UNFCCC – a treaty which was agreed in 1994 and has 197 Parties.
During the Summit, delegates from Party countries will meet for both formal negotiations and informal consultations, with the ultimate aim of clarifying their position and interests to reach agreement over plans for climate action. The UK is aiming to secure a global plan to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050.
The general public can attend a whole host of related events from workshops and talks, to art exhibitions and technology demonstrations.
What’s happening in KQ Liverpool?
There are a number of sustainability-driven and net-zero carbon projects ongoing and planned in KQ Liverpool which will help to reach local, national and global environmental targets. From sustainable packaging innovation, to green last mile connectivity transport solutions, the projects outlined below offer just a snapshot into the other vital work that is ongoing across the wider LCR.
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and National Packaging Innovation Centre (NPIC)
Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham this week announced £110,000 of pre-development funding for an innovation centre that will position the UK at the forefront of sustainable packaging, and play a pivotal role in supporting the region’s environmental targets. Forming part of the wider LCR packaging cluster, this funding is the first step towards the establishment of a £60 million National Packaging Innovation Centre.
A centre which could mean the UK emerges as a leader in the global £1 trillion packaging market and could create more than 2,000 R&D jobs across the wider supply chain. The NPIC is being co-developed by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and CPI, with Unilever as a founding partner and will focus on the commercialisation of innovations in packaging materials and production technologies, bringing together industry and academia.
The initial £110,000 of funding sponsors the CPI to expand its offices to Liverpool Science Park (LSP). Located in the heart of KQ Liverpool and its innovative ecosystem, CPI’s new office at LSP will facilitate partnerships with SMEs, industry, Universities and local government to enable the development of the NPIC.
Paddington Lime Line
Plans for a rapid green transit system which connects KQ Liverpool to the wider transport network in Liverpool City Centre are coming to fruition. With over £1bn of new developments already underway in KQ Liverpool, the employment axis of the city centre is widening and increasing the demand for commuter based travel in the area. This has created the need for a transport solution that complements the existing network.
Ensuring that Paddington Village, the new health campus and the Universities have efficient transport links is vital to the continuing development of Liverpool’s knowledge economy, inward investment and job creation. The Paddington Lime Line is KQ Liverpool’s vision for a direct green rapid transit system that will provide last mile connectivity from both Lime Street and Central Station to Paddington Village, the Universities and the new hospitals.
