Technology has a significant role to play as innovative ways are developed to use alternative power sources, to champion new forms of transport and measure effectiveness. What is though equally important is an evolution in the philosophy of our approach. Too often green initiatives make people’s lives more difficult. Restraints and controls make no appeal to hearts and minds. Innovation also needs to be applied to create approaches that bolster local economies and build a sense of community and partnership. Rewards rather than penalties should inform our thinking, with green bonds, green related savings schemes and other financial incentives to use building products less damaging to the environment are just some of the suggestions made in the discussion.

Collaboration, support and clarity are also critical to making a leap forward, in what is a shared goal for private and public sector, communities and individuals. Local government has a critical role to play, but financial limitations impede progress and councils struggle to find common contact points and support in central government. Overly complex requirements can make it difficult for private developers to engage with the ambitions of local authorities. An increased number of green partnerships and green alliances would support locally based private/public associations that develop practical, popular approaches that meet green ambitions and help improve co-operation for harder to implement measures.