Humber Chemical Focus & Humber INCA

"Environmental Challenges and Opportunities – now and in the future"

3rd July 2008 - Event Review

@ CATCH, Kiln Lane, Stallingborough, NELincs, DN41 8TH

Over 40 delegates came together for Humber Chemical Focus’s and Humber INCA’s Environmental Challenges and Opportunities Conference on the 3^rd July 08 at CATCH. Attendees were warmly welcomed with a warm cup of coffee with numerous business cards changing hands.

Dr David Calvert, Commercial Manager for the Environmental Technologies Centre for Industrial Collaboration and HCF Vice Chairman formally opened and welcomed everyone to the event. David gave a brief overview of the morning’s agenda with the buildings safety procedures also highlighted. After a quick introduction and welcoming, David introduced Tony Edwards of Humber INCA as the first formal speaker of the day.

Following Tony’s extensive experience of working within the region, Tony gave an overview of the Humber’s Environmental Scene. Tony spoke of the region in terms of its importance to the local business economy and the wildlife that already exists across the Humber. Tony went onto mention the key legislative drivers and approach central government are taking to reduce the possibility of flooding. Tony said “To improve the flow of water into the estuary, it’s now central government’s policy to make space for water and work with nature rather than against it. Sites at Paull and Alkborough have already been flooded for this process.” After a little audience participation, Tony finished with a quote from Buckminister Fuller saying “There is no such thing as pollution. It is merely a problem of having valuable resources in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Stephen Brown the Sustainable Development Manager for Energy and Climate Change at Yorkshire Forward was the next formal speaker of the morning. Stephen opened his presentation with an overview of the Stern Review and the importance of a low Carbon Economy to the Yorkshire and Humber region. Stephen said “Yorkshire Forward see’s the opportunities of a low Carbon Economy to be a potential unique selling point for the region to gain further growth and investment. Yorkshire Forward and partners will lead, demonstrate and ensure a reduction in greenhouse gases is achieved”.  Stephen then went onto give a brief overview of world’s first potential carbon capture project that is being planned for the shores of the Humber. Examples of other low carbon projects Yorkshire Forward are driving forward where also highlighted.

A quick coffee break followed with attendees having the opportunity to network on the balcony.

The second part of the event was kindly chaired by Darren Clarke of Humber INCA. Darren gave a brief overview of the second half of the agenda, introducing Malcolm Bailey of NISP to provide the next formal presentation. Malcolm spoke of the National Symbiosis Programme (NISP) and how it came to fruition. Similar to Tony’s ending quote, Malcolm mentioned a quote from Professor Paul Ekins the chairman of NISP “Waste is a resource in the wrong place”. Malcolm said “A waste product from one industry can be raw material for many others. It is NISP’s role to provide a platform for these industries to work together and collaborate”. Malcolm then went onto to highlight what NISP have been proactively doing in the Yorkshire and Humber region, mentioning the environmental and cost savings NISP have provided businesses locally.

The penultimate presentation of the morning was provided by Dr David Calvert of ETCIC. Unlike the other presentations of the morning David opened his presentation with the objectives of his controversial presentation and an unusual disclaimer. David used an example of a football game to highlight the growing battle between the planet and its self sustainability. David said “Big Ron (the famous Football manager and commentator Ron Atkinson) was once quoted during a football game his Kettering Town team was losing three nil with ten minutes to go as saying to one of his players “tell him he’s Pele”. This is the kind of game we are all having with the planet’s resources at the moment, losing three nil with ten minutes to go. Standing still not doing anything is not an option”. David went onto explain what kind of initiatives and projects are be driven forward to try and make the game more even, giving the planet a fighting chance of being fully sustainable.

To give a regional manufacturers view of the environmental issues affecting the industries in the region, Paul Whitby of Corus kindly gave the last presentation of the morning. Paul opened his presentation with a brief introduction to Corus Construction & Industrial, the processes of making steel and the assets Corus host at their Scunthorpe site. Paul said “Corus Construction & Industrial in Scunthorpe mainly produces steal for four markets: Sections for Construction, Plates for ship building & wind turbines, Rods for construction and tyres and Rail.” Paul went onto explain the environmental issues that are affecting the site and the environmental investments the new owners (TATA) are making to improve the sites environmental impact on the surrounding community.

To end the formal presentations of the morning Darren Clarke opened the floor to questions from the audience. Numerous questions followed for all of the speakers, with everyone having the opportunity to network further over lunch.

We hope to see you at one of our other events in the future. Many thanks to all of the speakers for their input.

Left to right: Malcolm Bailey (NISP), Paul Whitby (Corus), David Calvert (ETCIC and HCF Vice Chair), Tony Edwards (Humber INCA), Stephen Brown (Yorkshire Forward).  

www.humberchemicalfocus.com         www.humberinca.co.uk