Environmental opportunity knocks for the East of England
There is a growing demand throughout the world for new technologies, which integrate human activities with the environment.
There is a growing demand throughout the world for new technologies, which integrate human activities with the environment. Recent and future environment legislation and standards provide a major driving force for such technologies.
In the East of England a flourishing international reputation is developing for its expertise and excellence in the field of environmental engineering - or the environment goods and services industry, as it prefers to be known.
And that is not just me making a proud boast as a Member of Parliament whose constituency is in the region. It is a matter of fact.
Only recently, the Peterborough based Centre for Sustainable Engineering hosted a delegation of 12 visitors representing British consulates in various countries around the World.
They came to the East of England because they had heard about the strength of the environmental sector in the area. And having made their fact-finding mission, and seen at first hand the standards being set in the region, they returned home with the intention of promoting trade.
Recent research revealed there are 2,100 companies in the East of England delivering some kind of environment value, and providing 62,000 jobs.
The specialities of these companies range from "end of pipe" technology - such as pollution control, emission control and noise pollution - to services at the design end: for instance, renewable energy and carbon technologies.
Along with its strong manufacturing base, it has also been brought to my attention that ours is a region that also leads the way in terms of research: with 30 world class research centres based in the region, a record to be proud of.
But it does beg the question: why the East of England? Well, first of all it is worth pointing out that 75 per cent of the region is rural, making it a more attractive area to companies dealing with environmental issues.
By virtue of its rural nature, there is a lot of expertise in drainage, flood prevention and waste water treatment.
And the East of England is also - despite its rural profile - a growing area demographically: half a million new homes are being built, and 10 per cent of the energy for those new homes has to come from renewable sources.
The region has also managed to turn a negative into a positive after it became a dumping ground for the waste of other areas, in particular London. Once a liability, it has turned into a benefit, forcing companies to come up with recycling processes, and in turn creating export and trade opportunities.
How? Well, having solved the problems initially caused by the excess waste coming in, the companies based here can now translate that knowledge around the World.
This is a tremendous time for the environment industry in the East of England. It is innovative, it has a marvellous reputation, and has gained international recognition for its excellence.
This is a time of great opportunity for the environment engineering industry, and the East of England is at the forefront. There is much to be proud of.
SHAILESH VARA, SEPTEMBER 2005"