University inspires green action with its first-ever sustainability week

Published on 19, May, 2025

The University of Sunderland held its first-ever sustainability week bringing together students, staff and the local community to inspire positive action for a sustainable future.

The week (6-10 May) saw a variety of workshops, talks, seminars and events spotlighting sustainable topics including biodiversity, reducing waste, low-carbon technology and much more.

Laura Middlemass, Sustainability Manager at the University, said: “Our first Sustainability Week has been a huge success. We’ve been able to showcase the sustainability expertise we have at the University as well as share a range of more sustainable lifestyle choices.

“The University of Sunderland has ambitious sustainability plans for the future, building on our success to date.

“We believe these plans will bring benefits to the communities we are part of and hope our sustainability week will become a regular fixture in the calendar as one of the ways we can support staff, students and the people of Sunderland to engage with this topic.”

As part of the week, the University’s sustainability team and Your SU brought a range of local businesses and organisations together for the University’s Sustainability Fair to promote their eco-friendly products and showcase their green initiatives.

Jennie Morris, Director of Just Let Your Soul Grow CIC, who took part in the fairs, said: “It was a brilliant opportunity to promote composting, encourage people to get involved in local community gardens, and connect with others who are passionate about sustainability – and the sunshine helped too.

“It was a great day for starting conversations, meeting new people, and networking with other inspiring vendors. We’re also excited about the possibility of using the university’s outdoor spaces in the future to run workshops and grow this work even further.”

Students, staff and the local community also got the chance to hear about the research and projects academics at the University are doing to help create a sustainable future.

For one of the seminars, Dr Nida Naveed, Senior Lecturer and Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow at the University, shared her expertise in sustainable manufacturing and using recycled material in 3D printing.

Dr Naveed said: “These seminars are both timely and essential, offering a platform to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today, particularly around sustainability and responsible innovation.

“As the demand for greener technologies and circular practices grows, events like this provide a space for researchers, industry professionals, and students to share ideas, explore solutions, and inspire action.

“Guests got the chance to gain insight into the research being conducted at the University and into innovative practices that align with circular economy goals and sustainable manufacturing principles.”

Other seminars included a reflection on sustainable filmmaking by the University’s School of Media and Creative Industries, recent biodiversity projects by students in partnership with Durham Wildlife Trust and many more.

Find out more about how the University is working towards a sustainable future here.

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