SIREN2023
Purpose
The 2023 NI Science Festival concluded with a showcase of sustainability initiatives, lifestyle products and research programmes from right across the province. This open-to-the public sustainability fair took place on 25th February 2023 at the new Ulster University Belfast Campus. The UUBS Sustainability Committee hosted afutures and to engage students and the public alike.
Participation
Visitors included UU staff and students as well as members of the public. We invited our guests to take part in interactive activities, such as a ‘climate action wish list’ and ‘climate worry corner’. Participants were able to flick through our UUBS Sustainability Team project portfolio and even win a prize in a sustainability quiz.
Impact
Through participation in the SIREN23 event, we were able to present the work of the UUBS Sustainability Team to an external audience and invite members of the public to actively shape the sustainability conversation at Ulster University Business School.
Contact
Dr Susann Power
Sustain Exchange Summit
Purpose
Each year members of the UUBS Sustainability Committee attend the Sustain Exchange Summit to further their knowledge and networks. This hybrid leadership summit is hosted by a range of partners including Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, Belfast City Council, Danske Bank, Weev, the Management & Leadership Network (MLN), FPN and International Synergies.
Participation
This year’s speakers included Colm O’Regan (Climate Author), Rachel Post (International ESG Specialist), Jacquelin Gibson (Sustainability & Circular Economy Leader), Philip Rainey (CEO of a Plant-Positive Scale-up), Debbie Caldwell (Climate Commissioner) and Sir Tim Smit, KBE (Entrepreneur).
Impact
Six UUBS Committee members attended the event and engaged in panel discussions, enhancing their own learning on how climate challenges is affecting management and leadership practice.
Contact
Dr Lynsey Hollywood
Veg NI Summit 2023
Purpose
As part of our commitment to the Peas Please Pledge, to encourage the increased consumption of local fruit and vegetables, we were invited by Food NI as special guests to attend the Veg Summit to find out more about Veg NI. This network is a new collective of farmers who through industry collaboration, promotion and education aim to get local produce onto the plates of local people, benefiting them, the industry and the planet.
Participation
A total of 20 local producers, policymakers and retailers attended the event at Hillsborough Castle Gardens.
Impact
Discussions centred on how best to engage all players within the food supply to celebrate the benefits of vegetables and focus attention on areas of policy that ca support increasing consumption and production of local vegetables.
Contact
Dr Lynsey Hollywood