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This is a past event from 26 January 2023, 9:00am - 5:00pm (GMT)
They are unavailable to book
Join us online on Thursday 26 January as we bring together leading experts and examples of addressing sustainability and the climate emergency at the institutional level. From tackling the cost of living crisis to green skills and innovation, we'll be delving into key actions, advice and evidence on how universities can drive urgent climate action.
We are delighted to announce that the conference will be chaired by Professor Judith Petts CBE (Vice-Chancellor, University of Plymouth and Chair, Climate Task and Finish Group, Universities UK) and Professor Julie Sanders (Principal, Royal Holloway, University of London).
Why should you attend?
This online one-day conference will provide informative, timely content from the most pertinent speakers on the topic, as well as a wide range of opportunities to network, discuss, and make connections with colleagues within the sector.
You will also be able to access the recordings of all sessions after the event, including any sessions which you were unable to attend live.
If you have any questions about this or any other of our events, please contact us at events@universitiesuk.ac.uk or 07500 441505.
We allow delegates to cancel their bookings up to one month before the event and receive a refund. If this applies to you, please contact us at the email or phone number above.
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The Queen's Anniversary Prizes celebrate excellence, innovation and public benefit in work carried out by UK colleges and universities. The Platinum Jubilee Challenge was launched for universities and further education colleges to work together to reduce their carbon emissions. This session will showcase findings and best practices that aim to set out a pathway for the sector to reach net zero.
Amidst a turbulent political and economic backdrop, there is a danger of the sustainability agenda being deprioritised when there are so many other issues to address. This session will focus on the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, what opportunities there are to progress sustainability, and discuss how we can ensure that sustainability stays a priority in universities.
As jobs and the economy become greener, we all need to transform our skills to match the demand. What role do universities play in driving forward opportunities to develop green skills and meet the future needs of businesses and the economy?
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This session will discuss the impact of climate research and innovation on public policy and businesses. How universities can continue to work together and be leaders in driving change.
University campuses often encompass valuable wildlife habitats that need to be actively managed. This session will highlight biodiversity initiatives and how they involve and enrich their local communities.
Among the many lessons of the past two years is the discovery that, when the moment necessitates, colleges and universities can act quickly, address cross-campus problems, and adopt new technologies and policies. Looking forward, there is perhaps no greater challenge that requires extensive and coordinated university effort than sustainability.
In this session, EAB experts will discuss the various approaches institutions around the world have deployed to meet their climate commitments. Topics covered will include the pursuit of carbon net-zero status, analysis of costs and benefits of various next-gen efficiency efforts, and engagement of new stakeholders in sustainability efforts across campus.
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How do you successfully set and achieve net zero targets and effectively report on the reduction of carbon emissions? In this session you will hear about the Standardised Carbon Emissions Framework that has been designed to help the sector progress.
Universities have been adapting their internationalisation strategies and activity to positively impact their commitment to climate action. This session will highlight initiatives that providers have put in place such as developing modules to support students and staff when travelling overseas and virtual mobility experiences embedded into courses.
How can we effectively communicate the impacts of climate change which is detrimental to both people and the planet? This session will discuss how communication is crucial for gaining support, and making progress but also for providing support for eco-anxiety and resilience.
What are universities doing proactively to embed sustainability into the curriculum? This session will discuss how the higher education sector has an essential role to play in educating staff and students to develop solutions to address it.
Why is it important to have a local and regional approach to climate action? This session will look at ways in which universities and the broader higher education sector have collaborated with local businesses and governments to innovate in green ways.
This conference is essential for all staff working on sustainability and climate change within their institutions, or within student engagement roles. It will also be of interest to staff working on internationalisation and who are looking to make their processes and programmes more sustainable. However, anyone with an interest in the topic is welcome to attend. Potential relevant job titles include:
We have a range of sponsorship opportunities available at our events, which can be viewed here. Please contact Jess Jackson, Marketing and Sponsorships Officer, for more information: jess.jackson@universitiesuk.ac.uk
Our monthly updates are a great way for you to stay up to date with our work, events, and higher education news.