This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Norwich BID Hosts EIT Urban Mobility Visit
Last month, Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) organised a special event welcoming Willem Frederik Metzelaar, Managing Director at EIT Urban Mobility Hub West, to the city. The EIT’s visit provided a unique opportunity for local stakeholders to engage on various ongoing sustainability projects, as well as to discuss future ideas aimed at improving how people move within Norwich’s bustling city centre.
The EIT Urban Mobility Hub is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) initiative focused on transforming urban mobility. Through a variety of projects, funding opportunities, and partnerships, the EIT works to accelerate the development and deployment of technologies which reduce congestion, lower emissions, and enhance quality of life for urban residents.
On the day of the EIT’s visit, following a morning tour of the city and a reception at the Norwich University of the Arts, the Norwich BID team hosted a networking lunch and series of afternoon presentations attended by representatives from organisations including Norfolk County Council, UKRI, KPMG, UEA, Anglian Waste, DWP, Greater Anglia, Norwich Research Park, and Go East Anglia.
As part of the event, attendees learnt how various BID-led projects are helping improve sustainable urban mobility. For example, the Norwich Buyers Club (run in partnership with Surplush) has seen businesses save money and 99.88% in carbon emissions by having deliveries of crucial supplies made by E-cargo bike rather than by HGV; with 14% of carbon emissions in the city centre currently generated by freight vehicles, there is clear value in businesses migrating over to more environmentally friendly electric solutions.
Similarly, through its partnership scheme with Anglian Waste and Recycling, Norwich BID is giving local businesses easy access to sustainable waste management solutions, which reduces the amount of un-recycled commercial waste being generated, as well as the number of trips needed to remove this waste. Alongside initiatives such as the city’s Beryl cycle hire scheme and large electric bus fleet, these projects are reducing carbon emissions, and underscore a growing recognition of the importance of smart, sustainable urban mobility for Norwich.
Commenting on the event, Norwich BID’s Head of Development Martin Blackwell, explained, “To help meet sustainability objectives, it’s crucial that Norwich businesses work collaboratively, not only together, but also with key international organisations such as the EIT and other partners in Europe. By implementing positive environmental-focused projects and leading businesses on ESG best practices, we can position the city as a hub of urban mobility innovation.
“As Norwich looks to the future, events such as this can play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and shaping the next generation of urban transport systems. It was extremely encouraging to witness the fruitful discussions which took place throughout the day of the EIT’s visit, and the eagerness from our event attendees to explore new ways to partner.”