Our third annual Greenspace Festival will take place on Wednesday 14 June, from 12pm – 5pm at Grey College. The festival celebrates our student environment groups, researchers, local charities and sustainable businesses, by showcasing the work they do to tackle climate change and drive sustainable development.
This year’s festival is set to build on previous success, with the inclusion of a Gamechanger session, a film screening, the opportunity to try an e-bike, plus a biodiversity guided walk!
The event is open to everyone, presenting an exciting opportunity for staff, students and researchers and our local partners to celebrate their achievements so far, on the pathway to net zero, collaborate and network with one another.
Professor Karen O’Brien will open the Festival and will be on hand to see the presentation of the Sustainability Varsity Trophy and the announcement of the Sustainable Procurement Essay competition winners.
Keynote Speakers
We will also have two influential Keynote speakers to share their experiences and offer advice.
Professor John French is Deputy Chair of Trustees at the EAUC and Chair of the UK Carbon Coalition and works across the UK higher education sector as an advisor. His specialisms include ultra-low carbon buildings, net zero strategies for asset managers, early stage venture capital and carbon capture and storage projects that address carbon sequestration and sustainability based solutions to address climate change.
Paul Irwin-Rhodes leads the sustainability strategy at Greggs, with key focus on delivering against their Greggs Pledge plan and Net Zero ambition.
We will also have Kirsty Peck from IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) and early career professionals, including Durham alumni. The speakers will then proceed to a panel discussion, chaired by Professor John French.
Enjoying Greenspace
We are delighted to be welcoming local charities such as Wear Rivers Trust and Durham Wildlife Trust, to exhibit. Plus, Durham County Council’s Low Carbon Economy team and the waste contractor Biffa will also be on hand to discuss their commitments to sustainability.
The festival will also feature a number of sustainable businesses, such as The Ugly Fruit Group, who reuse, donate, and educate on food waste and Recyke Y’Bike who will be running a bike maintenance pop-up shop.
Find out more
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