Introduction

Norfolk has a large economy, ranking 15th for jobs out of 206 upper tier authorities. It has more than 33,000 businesses and 365,000 employees. Norfolk has grown faster than the non-London UK average in recent years and is now worth £18.5bn to the UK economy. We have a buoyant labour market with employment levels at 76.4% - above the national average.
 
Norfolk has many key sectors, some which are of national significance – these sectors are spearheading growth. Norfolk has a powerful energy hub on the east coast, advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities and a world-class food, life-science, and agri-tech cluster.
 
In November 2019, Norfolk County Council (NCC) published the Council’s Environment Policy. This policy paper reflects the areas that the Council sees as key to protecting and maintaining the health of Norfolk’s distinctive environment and its occupants through effective climate action. As part of this policy NCC seeks to fully support clean air for the population, a clean and plentiful supply of water, a thriving plant and wildlife community, a reduction of risk of harm from environmental hazards such as flooding and drought, the use of natural and sustainable resources, the enhancement of beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment, adapting to climate change, minimising waste, managing exposure to chemicals, and enhancing biosecurity.
 
Your participation in this interview/survey will help inform the scenario modelling Gemserv will undertake and the development of regional specific recommendations to support the growth of the retrofit green skills markets.
 
The survey covers a range of issues including job growth requirements to meet net zero the ‘green’ skills needed to facilitate the transition and policy and financial support mechanisms to support and enable this growth.
 
Phase 1 of the study will cover the ‘retrofit’ sector, here defined as improvement works to existing homes to reduce energy demand and/or carbon emission through measures such as insulation, double glazing, and low carbon heating. Phase 2 will investigate the wider green skills market, providing insight into sectoral growth opportunities and the need for upskilling to meet a low-carbon workforce demand.

T