ICLEI opens low carbon platform to private sector

An online platform for low carbon solutions catered to local governments has now been opened to the private sector to further assist cities in following a low-carbon path.

The Solutions Gateway, first launched in April at the ICLEI World Congress, is an online platform that offers tailor-made packages of solutions for local governments wanting to reduce their carbon outputs. One of the partners, ICLEI – local governments for sustainability, says that during the testing phase companies will be able to enter their products and solutions into the platform, giving them exposure to and contact with cities that are working on sustainability challenges.

“The Solutions Gateway is not just a shop window. Private sector organisations can also interact with local government representatives,” Ana Marques, Senior Officer, Low Carbon Cities, ICLEI World Secretariat told Cities Today during the ICLEI Lounge Talks as part of the Metropolitan Solutions conference in Berlin.

“This allows the private sector to learn directly about the needs and interests of local governments. It also allows the private sector to identify and connect with key decision-makers and municipal technical experts, helping them to access the people responsible for urban planning and procurement.”

ICLEI will now reach out to its member cities and non-member cities, encouraging them to join the platform and invite them to submit case studies to be profiled and highlighted. The test model for the engagement of the private sector is now operational and will run until the end of the year.

To also ensure impartiality and high-quality content, Marques says that the provisionary model for the engagement of the private sector will consist of a dialogue with the relevant industry sectors, followed by competitive calls for the selection of a balanced set of partners. ICLEI will then select the most relevant and suitable of the submissions to feature on the Solutions Gateway.

“By connecting with local governments looking to implement urban sustainability solutions, private sector organisations will become part of a shift to Low Emission Urban Development strategies, action plans and projects,” added Marques. “This will place the organisations at the forefront of a major trend and will give them increasing exposure as the movement develops.”

To gain access to the contents and resources of the Solutions Gateway, register and login at www.solutions-gateway.org