UCB sustainability project gives waste new purpose | News

October 2026

Powerful community collaboration builds on launch of sustainability strategy

By Claire Huggins

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World Sustainability Day 2026: putting UCB’s Sustainability Strategy into action

Earlier this year, University College Birmingham (UCB) launched its Sustainability Strategy 2025-2030.

Supplementing the University’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030, the Sustainability Strategy sets out a clear, practical and values-driven approach to reducing waste, addressing the environmental challenges the city faces, supporting the city’s transition to a more sustainable future and equipping students with the skills to live and learn in a sustainable way.

Building on the launch and to mark World Sustainability Day 2026, the University now shines a spotlight on a powerful example of the strategy already in action: a unique collaboration between UCB, office refurbishing specialists Intex Projects, and the BRIG café, home to the Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG) and Birmingham Friends of the Earth.

Ashlea Mallett, UCB Head of Sustainability & Campus Services, presents the strategy

Giving waste materials a new purpose in Birmingham

The collaboration centres on a set of acoustic baffles that were due to be discarded. Identified as a salvageable resource by Ashlea Mallett, UCB’s Head of Sustainability & Campus Services, the baffles were offered to the community café, where noise levels had long been a challenge for staff, volunteers and visitors.

“We’re really grateful to University College Birmingham for enabling us to do this,” said Karen Leach, Chief Executive, Birmingham Friends of the Earth.

“Not just offering the free baffles but also being able to facilitate the installation. It makes a big difference to be working with a bigger partner that can make things like this happen.”

"What excites me most about this project is that it demonstrates what's possible when sustainability is approached through collaboration, creativity and a willingness to look at resources differently."

Ashlea Mallett Head of Sustainability & Campus Services

Intex Projects, a long standing collaborator with the University, having worked most recently on the Sixth Form Centre, stepped in to repurpose and install the baffles free of charge, recognising that the project sat firmly within their social responsibility commitments.

“This project is central to one of our core values – community,” explained Richard Freeman, Director at Intex Projects.

“UCB is one of our partners so, we were happy to help.”

Reusing the baffles has given them a new lease of life, transforming them from being potential landfill waste, into a practical asset that improves sound quality, enhances insulation and supports a more familial environment for two of Birmingham’s valuable social impact organisations.

Local partners bring the sustainability story to life

The video released today captures the story of the project from idea to installation: it highlights the shared commitment to sustainability, community benefit and circular economy principles.

And in another ‘win’ for the project, the film was produced by local Birmingham-based video production agency, Film Division, a company that ‘ignites passion and inspires positive change’ with its work.

Film Division are also long-time collaborators with UCB and, as founding partners alongside Worksmiths HR and Change Kitchen CIC, are the creative brains that brought the SUSTAIN UnConference to life.

“At Film Division, we’re unified behind the belief that film has the power to change hearts and minds,” said Alex Dewhirst, Video Strategist and Director at Film Division.

“It’s no surprise that we leapt at the chance to work on this video; it sits well within the aims of our work- work that aims to champion sustainability causes and disrupt the narratives around greenwashing and other corporate ‘fake news’ on environmental claims.”

Building momentum for a more sustainable future

“What excites me most about this project is that it demonstrates what's possible when sustainability is approached through collaboration, creativity and a willingness to look at resources differently,” explains Ashlea Mallett.

“We have already made some really positive steps forward, but this is just one example of the opportunities that exist across our campuses, our partnerships and our wider community.

“Looking ahead, our focus is on continuing to build momentum, identifying practical solutions and embedding sustainable thinking into the way we all work, teach and learn every day. Real, lasting change doesn't happen overnight, and we're not trying to transform everything at once, but by taking meaningful steps and working together, we can make a genuine difference over time.”