Charlie keen to plug eco agenda

A GREEN future with Greater Manchester at the helm has been set out by Oldham Council’s Chief Executive Charlie Parker.

After rolling up to Manchester Central in an electric Renault Twizy car this morning, he delivered an impassioned speech to open the Greenbuild Expo 2012.

He stressed the importance of harnessing business growth opportunities in the green sector and outlined a vision of long-term economic growth.

He said: “The sector remains buoyant in difficult economic circumstances and is predicted to continue to grow at about 4.5 per cent each year.

“Our further and higher education establishments are actively implementing new technologies and focusing their efforts on ensuring that we have the skilled workforce able to deliver a ‘green built’ Greater Manchester.

“In my own borough, Oldham College for example are developing a Green Technology Centre to enhance the green skills of those employed in the construction sector.”

Opening the sustainable refurbishment and building event, that will run until tomorrow, he spoke in his role as lead for environment for the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA).

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