University breaks convention with Midlands' first Sustainability UnConference

December 2024

By Sean Madden

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Over 150 guests attended the inaugural SUSTAIN Midlands Sustainability UnConference, an audience-led event designed to spark conversation on sustainability, net-zero and environmental challenges across businesses, government and the non-profit sector.

Bringing together representatives from local authorities, education, industry and charities, UnConference facilitated discussion between like-minded people hoping to build relationships, showcase knowledge, expertise and ideas, and discuss challenges, problems and successes.

The innovative event asked participants in advance to decide on the subjects they'd like to discuss for submission at the beginning of the day. It had no formal agenda, and there were no keynote speakers or panel discussions. Instead, the gathering encouraged a free exchange of ideas, and active participation for collaborative problem solving.

The day began with a welcome speech from University College Birmingham's Sixth Form Principal Rebecca Tigue and Head of Sustainability Ashlea Mallett, before attendees had a chance to network, and discuss and submit themes for discussion over coffee.

After the topics had been collated and rooms assigned, guests were able to find the venue for their chosen discussion within Moss House - assisted by a number of volunteers, including more than 20 students from the University eager for the chance to grow their knowledge and experience of sustainability issues.

Across the event, attendees then had the opportunity to involve themselves in some of the 21 different, vibrant discussions taking place throughout the afternoon.

A wide range of topics relating to social equity and community engagement were covered, and included biodiversity and solutions grounded in nature, carbon literacy, food and sustainability, the circular economy, and education and civic resilience.

In tandem, there was the chance to meet and talk with a number of businesses, community groups and charitable organisations.

Main headline sponsors were University College Birmingham, Change Kitchen, Worksmiths, Coya Marketing, Film Division, Housman Digital and Mills & Reeve. Other sponsors were Glasdon Recycling and EQM CIC.

Many companies in attendance were also members of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, including Housman Digital, Film Division and ChangeKitchen CIC - a local sustainable catering social enterprise which, with support from college of food students, also provided refreshments for the event.

The Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) also attended the event.

In addition to the main event, participants were given the opportunity to take a tour of the University's Centre for Sustainable Construction at the newly-renovated James Cond building.

Beate Pesian, founder of the SUSTAIN UnConference and director of sustainable recruitment specialists Worksmiths, was enthusiastic about the day, and looked forward to other, similar events in the future. "This was all about learning from those with the wisdom and knowledge find solutions for the issues we're all facing, and inspiring the next generation to make the changes necessary to ensure our collective future," she said.

“For those looking to learn how to integrate sustainability into business, and for those who don't have the answers but are open to hearing ideas, this conference served as a facilitator, and highlighted the critical role we each have to play."

After an invigorating day of varied discussion and relationship building, Sixth Form Principal Rebecca echoed Beate's sentiments, and thanked guests for their enthusiasm. "Events like this are something our world desperately needs, and we're grateful that so many of you from across different sectors have chosen to be a part ours today," she said.

"We are looking to lay strong foundations across the University, helping our students to be at the forefront of sustainability efforts, helping them to becomes leaders in the field throughout their future careers."

Read more about sustainability at University College Birmingham.

Find out about our postgraduate international sustainable development award.

Discover how 2024 was our best year for sustainability so far.