News and Events

Jonathon Porritt urges BU to grasp green economy

12 May 2010

Environmentalist speaks at the first event in BU's Thought Leadership Series.

Renowned environmental campaigner Jonathon Porritt presented his view of global green issues at Bournemouth University (BU) as part of the launch of the University’s Thought Leadership Series.

Talking to a captivated audience of key policy makers from the public and private sectors, Porritt stressed innovation as the key to successfully implementing a Green Knowledge Economy. He outlined how this involved finding new ways to do business by supporting green industries within the region through innovation in the energy economy and by exploiting Dorset’s unique land-based assets.

The Thought Leadership event provoked discussion on how Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset should exploit opportunities in the UK’s developing Green Knowledge Economy. Professor Adrian Newton opened the proceedings with an overview of Green Knowledge Economy and the important role Bournemouth University has to play in articulating and driving forward opportunities for business growth, sustainability and cultural change.

BU is working closely in partnership with local councils in this area through the Multi Area Agreement (MAA), set up by central government to facilitate closer collaboration with local authorities, regional agencies and business to drive forward economic development. The Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset MAA is the only one of its kind in the UK to adopt the Green Knowledge Economy as a core theme. An overview of this was presented by Chair of the MAA Board, Dr Gordon Page.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Petford said: “Our invited audience consisted of business, government and local education specialists, all keen to capitalise on the economic opportunities offered by the Green Knowledge Economy.

“As former Director of Friends of the Earth with a reputation for implementing green business policies at high-profile companies including Marks & Spencer, Jonathon offered us a unique perspective on how the environment and business can work together towards a shared solution. We are delighted he launched our Thought Leadership Series and was able to share his ideas on how best to develop a Green Knowledge Economy for the region.

Jonathon Porritt is currently Founder Director of Forum for the Future, the UK’s leading sustainable development charity.