West Yorkshire launches green economy action plan
West Yorkshire Combined Authority has launched a strategy aimed at accelerating growth for the region’s green businesses, with a focus on clean technology, low-carbon infrastructure, and sustainable innovation.
The action plan sets out measures intended to support investment and skills development across sectors including construction, energy efficiency, renewable energy and low-emission transport.
According to the strategy, West Yorkshire’s green economy is projected to grow by £3bn over the next year, driven by activity in climate technology and clean energy.
The plan estimates that around 20,000 jobs could be created across the region by 2030 through continued investment in home energy upgrades, renewable energy systems, and low-carbon transport infrastructure.
Green economy was identified as one of West Yorkshire’s six key growth sectors in the Combined Authority’s flagship Local Growth Plan, unveiled earlier this year, and currently contributes more than £8bn to the local economy.
The region has set a target to reach net zero carbon by 2038, creating opportunities for businesses operating in energy efficiency, green construction, retrofit, and the circular economy.
Now, the Green Economy Cluster Action Plan sets out nine priorities to drive growth and create high-quality jobs, addressing challenges including skills shortages and early-stage finance, while promoting innovation, international trade, and inward investment.
The plan includes a package of business support for start-ups, scale-ups and established firms involved in low-carbon activity, including sustainability audits, carbon footprinting tools, and access to specialist advice, training and market insights through the Green Economy Programme.
Additional measures focus on peer learning, circular economy practices, workforce skills development, and strategic investment to strengthen supply chains and support long-term growth.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “West Yorkshire is leading the way in green industries – from home retrofits to clean energy and electric transport.
“This plan is about building on that success and unleashing the potential of this thriving priority sector.”
