THE University of Strathclyde has formed a partnership with AIG and Wood to support cities and businesses as they transition to zero-carbon economies.
The group’s work will build on the infrastructure resilience framework created by AIG and Wood, which was publicly endorsed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
Glasgow, Milan and Pittsburgh are part of a multitude of cities in line to be supported by the collaboration, which will also aid a range of industries including construction, telecoms and energy to develop strategies for improved sustainability and resilience.
Richard Bellingham, director for institute for future cities at the University of Strathclyde, said, “Cities have an essential and leading role to play in tackling and in responding to the challenges of climate change.
“We are privileged to be working in partnership with leading cities from the global north and global south to help meet their priorities, and accelerate progress – including Strathclyde’s home city and COP26 host, Glasgow.
“In the spirit of the UN SDGs, AIG, Wood, Strathclyde and our partner cities are creating a strong and diverse partnership between business, cities, communities, and innovative research institutions to deliver real and swift progress. AIG, Wood and Strathclyde offer significant complementary expertise that can catalyse change.”
Rhodri Williams, head of international public policy at AIG, added, “The partnership combines AIG’s risk expertise and the insurance solutions it provides to low-carbon energy and resilient infrastructure projects with the Wood’s leading engineering solutions and the Institute for Future Cities’ holistic sustainability strategies and international relationships.
“As cities and corporations worldwide face increased pressure to reduce carbon emissions, our work will help advance sustainability efforts that will have significant impact into the future”.
Joe Sczurko, executive president of Wood’s consulting business, said, “Achieving the G7 leaders’ bold vision for a net-zero future and effectively tackling the impacts of climate change require collaborative partnerships to drive innovation, deliver transformational value, and create a more sustainable future.
“We are delighted to partner with AIG and the University of Strathclyde to create bold, differentiated solutions that will forge the path to global carbon neutrality and help shape the resilience of critical infrastructure.
“Our partnership with AIG and the University of Strathclyde demonstrates the power of collaborating across multiple sectors and with a broad range of stakeholders to drive sustainable and resilient solutions.”
