Sustainable Investment Workshop
Two projects emerged as the focus for further development, as an outcome of this workshop
Using house building as a focus for sustainable local supply chains
Supply chains are the links between suppliers that enable goods to be produced; having them physically grouped together can make production more efficient. David Jenkins came from Coed Cymru to explain an example of a supply chain that could be created locally: the Ty Unnos method of constructing houses and other buildings using local wood. We had a great response from representatives who could make that supply chain: e.g. wood, architectural expertise, labour from the Caerau Construction Training Centre as well as Valleys to Coast Housing Association.
This feasibility of the proposal will be developed as a multi agency project. Get in contact with Aled Singleton at Bridgend County Borough Council for further information: aled.singleton@bridgend.gov.uk or 01656 815205.
Developing local food networks
Trying to grow food locally reduces the carbon footprint of what we consume, whilst eating in cafes and pubs is good for the economy. The workshop drew on estimates of how spending patterns might change, among participants, and calculated that the Upper Llynfi economy could benefit from £6m by 2016 if people bought more locally. We appreciate that eating habits start at an early age, which is the Valleys Regional Park WECAN Project have agreed to fund some allotments at Maesteg Comprehensive School and are part-funding the Market Garden at the Brynglas site in Caerau. The emergence of the Cerddin Brewery in Cwmfelin and plans to host a tapas festival in summer 2012 offer many more opportunities.
The allotment will start to develop from November 2011. If you would like to be involved in the work then get in touch in the first instance.
Presentations for download:
Successes and challenges in establishing local food networks
Projected value to the local economy of enhanced local food networks
