Green the City - Adapting to Climate Change

How we design and manage our cities now will decide how well people and nature cope with climate change.

This is a one day conference focused on practical, real-world responses to climate change through green infrastructure, nature-based solutions and placemaking.

For decision makers, developers and built environment professionals, one of the biggest challenges is managing surface water in urban areas and reducing flood risk.

How do we catch it, clean it, use it and lose it safely in the environment?

Nature-based Solutions and Green Infrastructure offer practical answers. When done well, they deliver multiple benefits for people, nature and the economy and create healthier, more resilient places.

Through keynote talks, workshops and site visits, the day will explore what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to happen next, with learning grounded in real projects and lived experience.

Places are limited and demand is expected to be high. Early booking is strongly recommended.

Partners and funding

This scheme is funded by the Welsh Government. Part-funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council through Project REPAIR, led by Swansea University in partnership with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, University College London, Hacer Developments, Codi Group, Natural Resources Wales, and Swansea Council.

Info: Claire Bennett, Director of Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, Welsh Government. An opening address setting the national context for climate change adaptation in Wales and the role of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions in policy and practice.

Info: Blanche Cameron, Associate Professor of Environmental Design, The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. We know we need to green our towns and cities, but who pays for it?
This session explores the financial case for green infrastructure, including insurance perspectives, funding models and experiences of financing green infrastructure in Wales and at combined authority level.

Info: Gary Grant, International Green Infrastructure master planning and design expert, lead author of Defra/Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework and Penny Gruffydd, Landscape and Green Infrastructure Principal Officer, Swansea Council. How to secure buy-in and commitment across organisations. International and local lessons on planning, delivery and embedding green infrastructure into everyday decision making.

Info: John Little, Grass Roof Company, Hilldrop and Care not Capital, and Chris Bridgman, Gardens in the Sky. Maintaining capital investments for long-term climate adaptation. Exploring traditional and emerging approaches to green infrastructure maintenance, workforce development and skills for the future.

Info: Fran Rolfe, Natural Resources Wales and Kevin Barton, Managing Director, Robert Bray Associates. Managing water through multiple nature-based solutions across Swansea. Working with nature to reduce flood risk while supporting wellbeing, biodiversity and the local economy.

Info: Plant-based buffet lunch. Time to network and talk with exhibitors from across the green infrastructure supply chain.

Info: Kevin Barton, Robert Bray Associates . Visit recently installed raingardens in Sandfields followed by a session on the detailed design and installation of rain gardens in highways. Learn how surface water is captured, held and cleaned.

Info: Chris Bridgman, Gardens in the Sky, Vice Chair of the Green Roof Organisation and Dusty Gedge
International Ambassador, European Federation of Green Roof and Wall Associations. How rooftops can hold water and generate energy. Visit one of the recently installed sites in the city centre and hear from international and UK experts on retrofitting bio-solar green roofs.

Info: Becky Cole and Stepheni Keys, Codi Group, Tessa Tricks ,Wates Family Enterprise Foundation and Kate McCabe, Urban Foundry. Visit some local projects with communities at the heart of decision making, and discuss why involving communities from the start is critical to successful green infrastructure design and longevity.

Info: Keynote speaker to be confirmed. Reflections on the day, key learning and next steps.

Info: Drinks and informal networking at Urban HQ for anyone who would like to continue the conversation.

Info: For those who wish to carry on into the evening, there will be a nominated nearby venue for food and drinks. Delegates are welcome to join and buy their own dinner.

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