Climate Emergency

What are you doing to tackle the Climate Emergency?

• Share Neston Community Energy secures just under £38,000 grant funding in its first year on Facebook Share Neston Community Energy secures just under £38,000 grant funding in its first year on Twitter Share Neston Community Energy secures just under £38,000 grant funding in its first year on Linkedin Email Neston Community Energy secures just under £38,000 grant funding in its first year link

  Neston Community Energy secures just under £38,000 grant funding in its first year

  over 1 year ago
  

  Neston Community Energy, a Community Energy organisation run by local volunteers, has announced that it has received a grant from the Community Energy Fund. The grant will be used to obtain a feasibility study to investigate whether the landfill site on the Clayhill Industrial Estate, next to Neston Recycling Centre, would be a suitable site for a solar park.

  Consultants Scene Connect Ltd, who are specialists in local energy initiatives, will be carrying out the study. They will be looking at the suitability of the site and considering the financial viability of possible schemes.

  Susan Davies, Chair of Neston Community... Continue reading

  Neston Community Energy, a Community Energy organisation run by local volunteers, has announced that it has received a grant from the Community Energy Fund. The grant will be used to obtain a feasibility study to investigate whether the landfill site on the Clayhill Industrial Estate, next to Neston Recycling Centre, would be a suitable site for a solar park.

  Consultants Scene Connect Ltd, who are specialists in local energy initiatives, will be carrying out the study. They will be looking at the suitability of the site and considering the financial viability of possible schemes.

  Susan Davies, Chair of Neston Community Energy Limited said “It is less than a year since we formed, and we are very excited to embark on the Clayhill Solar Park Study. The study is possible thanks to a grant of almost £38,000 which has been made possible by an initiative of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The Community Energy Fund is distributed regionally through the North West Net Zero Hub and Lancashire County Council who have helped us with the application process. Back in March, Officers from the Transport, Highways and Climate Change Department at Cheshire West and Chester suggested that we looked at the Council- owned landfill site as the basis of a solar park project, and we have received support from both them and our local councillor. It would be a real achievement to make productive use of land which is otherwise unusable.”

  Work on the study has already started and there has been an initial inspection of the site. There will be further surveys and events are planned for members of the public to see preliminary proposals early next year. Susan said, “We are a community benefit society with local people at the heart of our efforts to increase green energy generation locally, reduce reliance on central supplies and reduce emissions. If a scheme is successful, it can produce financial benefits which can be returned to the local community in a variety of ways. We hope that as many people as possible will come to the planned events in January and February 2025, not only to find out about the Clayhill project, but also to find out more about what we do.”

  Anyone wishing to find out more can contact Neston Community Energy at nestoncommunityenergy@gmail.com.

  
  
  
  
• Share Funding boost for innovative UK projects to improve poultry welfare on Facebook Share Funding boost for innovative UK projects to improve poultry welfare on Twitter Share Funding boost for innovative UK projects to improve poultry welfare on Linkedin Email Funding boost for innovative UK projects to improve poultry welfare link

  Funding boost for innovative UK projects to improve poultry welfare

  by Felicity Roberts, over 1 year ago
  

  Researchers at the University of Chester are working to improve poultry welfare, production, and sustainability in the industry with innovative solutions after two partnership projects were awarded millions in UK Government funding.

  Experts from the Centre for Research into Environmental Science and Technology (CREST) at the University are part of the FeedFlow initiative, led by insect farming innovator Flybox®, which has been granted more than £3 million by Innovate UK from DEFRA’s (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’) Farming Innovation Programme.

  “Working alongside a phenomenal cohort of industry leaders and academic institutions, Flybox® is confident that this project... Continue reading

  Researchers at the University of Chester are working to improve poultry welfare, production, and sustainability in the industry with innovative solutions after two partnership projects were awarded millions in UK Government funding.

  Experts from the Centre for Research into Environmental Science and Technology (CREST) at the University are part of the FeedFlow initiative, led by insect farming innovator Flybox®, which has been granted more than £3 million by Innovate UK from DEFRA’s (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’) Farming Innovation Programme.

  “Working alongside a phenomenal cohort of industry leaders and academic institutions, Flybox® is confident that this project, which leverages advanced AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, will deliver exceptional results to tackle challenges in health, welfare, and sustainability,” said Larry Kotch, CEO and Co-Founder of Flybox®.

  Partners also include UK poultry-tech start-up FLOX, Nottingham Trent University, Courteenhall Farms, Menchine Farm, and Clarke Group Construction. The initiative integrates AI-powered monitoring, using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and BSF larvae feed to enhance poultry welfare, optimise production efficiency, and promote more sustainable approaches in the poultry industry.

  The FeedFlow project uses an AI-based platform developed by FLOX which is designed to unify data streams from farms and processing factories. It propels precision agriculture by delivering real-time data on flock welfare and early warnings of potential issues. Alongside this, fortified BSF larvae delivers a rapid nutrient boost that tackles health challenges more effectively than traditional feed interventions, and the LCA, led by Jess Callaghan and Professor Julieanna Powell-Turner from the University of Chester, is assessing the Global Warming Potential, to prevent a race to the bottom in emissions.

  CREST at the University of Chester has also been awarded a £1.5 million grant from the Government’s Transforming Food Production Challenge Fund, through Innovate UK, for the NetFLOX360 partnership project. The University is part of the NetFLOX360 consortium which, in line with the FeedFlow project, aims to ‘Bridge Poultry Farming Data with Factory Insights Using AI for Sustainable Growth’. Led by FLOX, and the UK’s largest poultry producer, 2SFG (2 Sisters Food Group), NetFLOX360 will further develop the innovative, FLOX AI-based platform for large-scale poultry entities.

  With the poultry supply chain currently hampered by a lack of real data across the entire value chain, Dr Kennedy Mutua at CREST said NetFLOX360 sought to fill this gap. It will enable the integration of algorithms into a cloud-based platform while engaging with poultry producers and processors, researchers, and policymakers, to provide a tool that offers easy access and informed decision-making based on real data.

  Imtiaz Shams, the CEO of FLOX, highlighted how intelligent technologies were making a real difference to poultry farmers to increase their productivity while promoting poultry welfare and sustainability. He outlined how through the FLOX Machine Vision, real-time insights with producers and processors can be shared along the value chain through dashboards.

  Prof Julieanna Powell-Turner, Associate Dean of Research and Innovation at the University of Chester, explained more about the importance of the projects. She said that despite advancements in production efficiency, the poultry industry faced persistent issues, including poor leg health, high mortality rates, and variable feed efficiency, while poultry production contributed notably to ammonia emissions in the UK. She outlined how it was recognised that UK production systems must evolve and the two projects and their forward-thinking approaches aimed to set new standards for welfare and efficiency in the industry.

  Discussing the FeedFlow project, Prof Powell-Turner welcomed the funding and described the environmental benefits of the approach: “The use of BSF larvae offers significant potential to reduce global warming by efficiently converting organic waste into high-protein feed, which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions and promotes sustainable waste management.”

  Professor Emily Burton, Director of the Safety and Sustainability Research Theme at Nottingham Trent University added: “As the environmental cost of food production becomes of increasing concern to consumers, quantifying the impact of interventions via LCA analysis is becoming an essential tool in driving forward change: interventions usually cost money, so quantifying the benefit helps in decision-making.”

  Discussing the NetFLOX360 initiative, Prof Powell-Turner said: “We are delighted to be successful with our funding application to take forward the project and deliver innovative solutions that will enable poultry producers and processors to monitor the welfare of their flocks while detecting environmental hotspots along the value chain. The tool will leverage real data-driven Life Cycle Assessment for poultry production, from cradle to farm gate.”
• Share Community apple pressing day on Facebook Share Community apple pressing day on Twitter Share Community apple pressing day on Linkedin Email Community apple pressing day link

  Community apple pressing day

  over 1 year ago
  

  Incredible Edibles and Friends of Westminster Park are hosting an apple pressing day at Westminster Park on Sunday, 29 September, between 10am and 3pm.

  Come and find us near the Café in the park. Bring your own apples (or there maybe some to pick from the trees in the park). Do bring a container for the juice you will make!

  Any queries, contact Linda Shuttleworth on shuttleworths@talktalk.net or 07726 425847

  Incredible Edibles and Friends of Westminster Park are hosting an apple pressing day at Westminster Park on Sunday, 29 September, between 10am and 3pm.

  Come and find us near the Café in the park. Bring your own apples (or there maybe some to pick from the trees in the park). Do bring a container for the juice you will make!

  Any queries, contact Linda Shuttleworth on shuttleworths@talktalk.net or 07726 425847
• Share GLADSTONE VILLAGE HALL IN BURTON GOES GREEN WITH SOLAR POWER on Facebook Share GLADSTONE VILLAGE HALL IN BURTON GOES GREEN WITH SOLAR POWER on Twitter Share GLADSTONE VILLAGE HALL IN BURTON GOES GREEN WITH SOLAR POWER on Linkedin Email GLADSTONE VILLAGE HALL IN BURTON GOES GREEN WITH SOLAR POWER link

  GLADSTONE VILLAGE HALL IN BURTON GOES GREEN WITH SOLAR POWER

  by John Nuttall, over 1 year ago
  

  GLADSTONE VILLAGE HALL IN BURTON GOES GREEN WITH SOLAR POWER

  New 40-Panel Solar System with Battery Storage to Reduce Costs and Carbon Footprint in Burton.

  Gladstone Village Hall is embracing renewable energy technology with the installation of a new solar photovoltaic system. The project, funded by a generous grant from FCC Communities Foundation and Gladstone Village Hall, will allow the popular community venue to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and operating costs.

  Solar photovoltaic panels convert energy from the sun into electricity through an array of cells containing a semiconductor material. This green technology has seen rapid adoption in recent... Continue reading

  GLADSTONE VILLAGE HALL IN BURTON GOES GREEN WITH SOLAR POWER

  New 40-Panel Solar System with Battery Storage to Reduce Costs and Carbon Footprint in Burton.

  Gladstone Village Hall is embracing renewable energy technology with the installation of a new solar photovoltaic system. The project, funded by a generous grant from FCC Communities Foundation and Gladstone Village Hall, will allow the popular community venue to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and operating costs.

  Solar photovoltaic panels convert energy from the sun into electricity through an array of cells containing a semiconductor material. This green technology has seen rapid adoption in recent years as concerns over climate change and fossil fuel dependency have grown. By generating their own renewable electricity, Gladstone Village Hall will reduce demand from the electricity grid and its carbon-intensive power plants.

  "We're thrilled to be making this sustainable upgrade to Gladstone Village Hall," said Dr. John Nuttall, who spearheaded the grant application on behalf of the venue's governing committee. "The solar installation will provide environmental benefits for generations to come while delivering substantial cost savings."

  FCC Communities Foundation awarded the grant after reviewing submissions from community projects across the region. Their support enables initiatives that benefit areas like community services, environmental conservation, and recreational facilities.

  In addition to the environmental benefits, the solar panels will help reduce Gladstone Village Hall's utility bills, allowing more funds to be allocated towards facility upkeep and community programming. The long-term cost savings are expected to be significant over the 25+ year lifespan of the solar array.

  Daniel Miller of JM Renewable Solutions Ltd, the firm handling the installation, praised the project, stating "Gladstone Village Hall is setting an excellent example for community venues to embrace renewable power. We're proud to partner with them on this important initiative."

  The solar panel system is now complete and was commissioned during July of this year. There is an open invitation to an unveiling ceremony on to celebrate this environmental achievement on Friday 18 October at 3pm, where there will be a talk by the installers and a few words from Samantha Dixon, MP and Cllr Louise Gittins.

  Gladstone Village Hall is a community facility with objectives to advance education and the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and other leisure time occupation without any discrimination of sex, sexual orientation, race, disability or political, religious or other opinions all for resident of the area of Burton and Puddington.

  
  
• Share Understanding what industrial decarbonisation means to local people on Facebook Share Understanding what industrial decarbonisation means to local people on Twitter Share Understanding what industrial decarbonisation means to local people on Linkedin Email Understanding what industrial decarbonisation means to local people link

  Understanding what industrial decarbonisation means to local people

  by Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington, over 1 year ago

  You may have heard of one or more industrial decarbonisation projects planned across the North West, such as HyNet or the Connah’s Quay Low Carbon Power project.

  Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington, the organisation charged with responsibility to grow the economy in the region, is working with public, private and voluntary organisations on a project to better understand the views of residents and businesses on these projects. The first step of this project is to run a series of focus groups to gauge understanding and sentiment about ideas like industrial decarbonisation and net zero.

  We’d like to understand what local people... Continue reading

  You may have heard of one or more industrial decarbonisation projects planned across the North West, such as HyNet or the Connah’s Quay Low Carbon Power project.

  Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington, the organisation charged with responsibility to grow the economy in the region, is working with public, private and voluntary organisations on a project to better understand the views of residents and businesses on these projects. The first step of this project is to run a series of focus groups to gauge understanding and sentiment about ideas like industrial decarbonisation and net zero.

  We’d like to understand what local people think about this and other associated words, including ‘the low carbon economy’, ‘green jobs’, ‘net zero’ or ‘climate emergency’.

  As a first step to understanding what people currently think about these concepts and the projects planned, a series of focus groups will be held for local people.

  These focus groups will capture people’s thoughts, views and perceptions and use this information to make sure that future communications about the projects are based on what people living in the community think and understand about them.

  The focus groups will not be designed to provide a platform to express concerns about the projects closest to you, as that happens separately through the planning process and public consultations. However, they will be used to give insight into what people think more broadly about the plans to decarbonise industry in the North West.

  How will the sessions run?

  There will be four focus groups in total:

  • Two community
  • Business
  • Young people

  All sessions will be held online to enable a broad range of people to get involved. Each session will run for 90 minutes and will be structured as follows:

  • Introductions
  • Information share to include:
    • What's happening across the North West?
    • What's happening in your area?
  • Buzzwords - what do the following phrases mean to you?
    • Climate emergency
    • Net zero
    • Low carbon economy
    • Green jobs
    • Industrial decarbonisation
  • What benefits can you see from the projects proposed across the region?
  • What are your key concerns about the things happening in your community?
  • What could be done to alleviate those concerns?
  • What concrete actions could be taken from here?

  How to get involved

  To find out more and to take part please email: NWdecarb@social.co.uk by 4 October.

  Following the closing date, attendees will be selected from those who have expressed an interest. ensuring that each group has a mix of representation from across the community.

  Those selected to attend will receive invites by email with the joining details. People who have not been selected to take part , will have an opportunity to complete an online questionnaire to share your views.
• Share Explore Chester & Winsford's Green/Eco Events on Facebook Share Explore Chester & Winsford's Green/Eco Events on Twitter Share Explore Chester & Winsford's Green/Eco Events on Linkedin Email Explore Chester & Winsford's Green/Eco Events link

  Explore Chester & Winsford's Green/Eco Events

  by Eco Communities, over 1 year ago
  

  
  

  Newsletter: Explore Chester & Winsford's Green/Eco Events - Eco Communities (ecocommunitiesuk.com)

  
  

  
  

  Newsletter: Explore Chester & Winsford's Green/Eco Events - Eco Communities (ecocommunitiesuk.com)

  
  
• Share Student shortlisted for major national environmental award on Facebook Share Student shortlisted for major national environmental award on Twitter Share Student shortlisted for major national environmental award on Linkedin Email Student shortlisted for major national environmental award link

  Student shortlisted for major national environmental award

  by Alexandra Williams, almost 2 years ago
  

  A soon-to-be graduate from the University of Chester has been shortlisted for a major national environmental award.

  Laura Tuckey has been shortlisted in the Sustainability Champion of the Year – Student category in the highly respected Green Gown UK and Ireland Awards. The Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the world.

  Laura, who will graduate with a degree in Geography, has been recognised for consistently going above and beyond to raise the University and wider community’s sustainability profile. She has worked with Storyhouse to implement its reusable cup scheme; acted as... Continue reading

  A soon-to-be graduate from the University of Chester has been shortlisted for a major national environmental award.

  Laura Tuckey has been shortlisted in the Sustainability Champion of the Year – Student category in the highly respected Green Gown UK and Ireland Awards. The Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the world.

  Laura, who will graduate with a degree in Geography, has been recognised for consistently going above and beyond to raise the University and wider community’s sustainability profile. She has worked with Storyhouse to implement its reusable cup scheme; acted as Chester Students’ Union’s Sustainability Council Representative; has been heavily involved with sustainability-related research projects and volunteered as a Welly Wednesdays Project Coordinator, a student-led project that focuses on conservation.

  The 22-year-old from Milnthorpe, Cumbria was nominated by the University’s Sustainability Team. Amy Butt, Sustainability Engagement Co-Ordinator, said: “We wanted to give Laura the recognition she deserves for her incredible work ethic and dedication to giving each student access to sustainability-related opportunities. For this, I encouraged and worked with Laura to submit her application and I’m thrilled she’s been shortlisted.

  “Laura is someone who gives without expectation of recognition, but, in this instance, her passion for making a difference and bringing people together to create a healthier, happier environment should be praised.”

  Laura will now submit her stage two application for further judging later this year. The winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, November 13 at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh.

  Laura said: "It was such an amazing surprise to be shortlisted for this award and I feel very grateful to be amongst so many incredible individuals working towards improving sustainability."

  The Green Gown UK and Ireland shortlist can be found here - 2024 Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland Finalists | Green Gown Awards

  
  

  
  
• Share New insights discovered on the minds of squirrels and impact of urban life on Facebook Share New insights discovered on the minds of squirrels and impact of urban life on Twitter Share New insights discovered on the minds of squirrels and impact of urban life on Linkedin Email New insights discovered on the minds of squirrels and impact of urban life link

  New insights discovered on the minds of squirrels and impact of urban life

  by Felicity Roberts, almost 2 years ago
  

  The impact of the urban environment on squirrels’ problem-solving, learning and memory has been highlighted in new research from the UK’s University of Chester and Hokkaido University in Japan.

  In one of the few studies that joins ecology and psychology to look at the animal mind in the wild, researchers have examined how stressful urban environmental characteristics are for squirrels and discovered they have a greater effect on cognitive performance than previously shown.

  They explored how much urban areas - with their buildings, traffic, less greenery, and, most prominently, more humans - cause a disturbance to squirrels by setting them... Continue reading

  The impact of the urban environment on squirrels’ problem-solving, learning and memory has been highlighted in new research from the UK’s University of Chester and Hokkaido University in Japan.

  In one of the few studies that joins ecology and psychology to look at the animal mind in the wild, researchers have examined how stressful urban environmental characteristics are for squirrels and discovered they have a greater effect on cognitive performance than previously shown.

  They explored how much urban areas - with their buildings, traffic, less greenery, and, most prominently, more humans - cause a disturbance to squirrels by setting them challenges testing their cognitive skills - how they acquire, store and use information to react to the environment.

  The team observed Eurasian red squirrels - a species that thrives in urban environments - in 11 urban areas in Obihiro, Japan, and the impact of: direct human disturbance - measured by the average number of humans present per day; indirect human disturbance - the number of buildings; squirrel population size and extent of green coverage.

  The research built on a previous study which found that some of these characteristics of the urban environment affect squirrels' ability to solve problems, with them either not solving problems at all or showing an enhanced ability to find the solution.

  In this study, they wanted to discover if there was a ‘ripple effect’ beyond problem-solving performance by exploring if urban settings would also affect other related cognitive traits such as generalisation - the ability to solve a similar but different problem - or memory - the ability to recall the same information after an extended period of time.

  A total of 38 red squirrels who had previously solved a novel problem - extracting food from a transparent box by pushing and pulling levers - the 'innovators' of the original task - were studied to see if they could solve a similar problem and also recall the solution after time.

  The researchers found that urban characteristics, in many cases affected squirrels' performance in the generalisation and memory tasks at both population and individual levels - either decreasing or increasing performance, depending on the combination of characteristics.

  For example, increased direct and indirect human disturbance, led to less success in the generalisation or memory task at the population level. Increased direct human disturbance and less green coverage resulted in quicker problem solving at individual levels.

  Dr Pizza Ka Yee Chow, Lead Researcher and Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Chester outlined that a possible explanation for this could be how squirrels perceive humans, and likely their dogs, as a threat.

  She said: “Such a threat is often unpredictable and may cause frequent interruptions when they are solving the task, causing some squirrels to give up and forage elsewhere or others to quickly solve the task and retreat to a tree for safety or to minimise their exposure to threats.”

  Discussing the wider study, she added: “Despite investigations into the effect of urban environments on aspects such as wildlife physiology and behaviour, the relationship between urban environments and wildlife cognition has remained largely unclear.

  “However, such research is needed as urban areas expand, leading to more species living in these environments, to discover more about how its wildlife thrives or declines, and to inform city management of green space and land use such as creating larger ‘buffer’ zones for wildlife, to decrease disturbance.”

  She continued: “Our results partially support the ripple effect hypothesis, suggesting that urban environmental characteristics are stressors for squirrels and have a greater impact on shaping cognitive performance than previously shown.

  “Together, these results provide a better understanding of traits that support wildlife in adapting to urban environments, which we can further build on by examining different species and other cognitive performance.”

  The research, Ripple effects of urban environmental characteristics on cognitive performance in Eurasian red squirrels, was funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and has been published in the Journal of Animal Ecology.

  To read the paper in full, please visit: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2656.14126.
• Share Chester Green Weekend - Chester with be buzzing with lots of free activities for all the family 15th and 16th June on Facebook Share Chester Green Weekend - Chester with be buzzing with lots of free activities for all the family 15th and 16th June on Twitter Share Chester Green Weekend - Chester with be buzzing with lots of free activities for all the family 15th and 16th June on Linkedin Email Chester Green Weekend - Chester with be buzzing with lots of free activities for all the family 15th and 16th June link

  Chester Green Weekend - Chester with be buzzing with lots of free activities for all the family 15th and 16th June

  by Eco Communities, almost 2 years ago
  

  Chester Green Weekend is the final weekend of Great Big Green Week, with activities throughout the week ending with a big celebration in Chester. We want to shine the light on Chester to show it as a leading sustainable hub for the Northwest and bring residents along with us on a journey to make small changes to support a lower impact future.

  Think ‘lots of fun activities taking place around Chester City Centre and in Grosvenor Park’ over one weekend in June (15th and 16th June) with an underlying aim of raising the awareness of what we can all do... Continue reading

  Chester Green Weekend is the final weekend of Great Big Green Week, with activities throughout the week ending with a big celebration in Chester. We want to shine the light on Chester to show it as a leading sustainable hub for the Northwest and bring residents along with us on a journey to make small changes to support a lower impact future.

  Think ‘lots of fun activities taking place around Chester City Centre and in Grosvenor Park’ over one weekend in June (15th and 16th June) with an underlying aim of raising the awareness of what we can all do to tackle the climate and nature emergency.
  The event will be free of charge so anyone can attend, they will be able to get involved in activities, workshops, walks, stalls, food and entertainment will be taking place throughout the City.

  Book Free Tickets to keep updated - BOOK

  A portion of the first 25% of tickets will go into the Prize Draw and also look out for the Chester Green Tickets to go into the draw - MORE INFO

  Sustainable Talks Thursday 13^th June. Storyhouse Garret Theatre. Eco Communities and Chester GAS bring an interesting panel of speakers from the region. After this at 8pm Picturehouse have one of its Green Screen Films, Wilding.

  Chester Green Weekend - Grosvenor Park 15th and 16th June

  The Sustainable Living Zone and Nature Zone will be organised by Eco Communities who put on the Sustainable Fairs in the park. You will find artisan stalls, food, drink and music. The Nature Zone will be full of family friendly fun activities from the likes of Chester Zoo and Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Chesters first Luggage Rummage. You can take part in the Luggage Rummage just bring two suitcases of pre loved, homemade or surplus crops down to Grosvenor Park sign in with the Eco Communities team and pay the £10 fee on either Saturday or Sunday.

  Then the Innovation Zone by Green Expo will move from Castle Drive to the park. They will have exciting eco-friendly exhibits, insightful talks, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you're passionate about sustainability, interested in renewable energy, or just curious about living a greener lifestyle, this event is for you! Come and explore the latest in green technology, eco-friendly products, and innovative solutions.

  Central Chester Locations

  Oh Design Foundation - 22 Bridge Street – 15^th and 16^th June. Join then for it Material Talks Programme, Green Table by Product Design, University of Chester showcasing the best ideas for sustainable solutions, Seed Bank, Street Food Bar, and more!

  Chester Cathedral - 15th and 16th June. You will be able to view the winners of the Green Expo Photo Competition winners in the Cloisters over the weekend. You will also find talks 'Cathedral at Height' on its Solar panels and a walk up the tower to view the panels in action.

  Atfest – Town Hall Square and more - Sunday 16th June. You will find Chester Cycling Campaign and other organisations in Town Hall Square will a range of activities to encourage people to walk, bike and trike into and around the city. Check out Exchange Square for the stunt bikes displays at intervals during the day. Storyhouse, family fun activities with an active travel theme. New Chester Market will have Bike Factory Demonstration in the middle of the day.
• Share Sustainability conference helps businesses thrive as forces for good on Facebook Share Sustainability conference helps businesses thrive as forces for good on Twitter Share Sustainability conference helps businesses thrive as forces for good on Linkedin Email Sustainability conference helps businesses thrive as forces for good link

  Sustainability conference helps businesses thrive as forces for good

  by Felicity Roberts, almost 2 years ago
  

  Business leaders from the North West of England, North Wales and beyond are invited to a sustainability-boosting event this June, to take inspiration and practical tips from a panel of experts.

  Organised by the University of Chester, it aims to help businesses thrive, as forces for good that people want to work for, buy from, and invest in.

  The event is being held, in partnership with UK for Good, at the University’s Riverside Innovation Centre, on Tuesday June 4. It has been planned by staff from Chester Business School and the Sustainability and Environment Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute (SERKEI)... Continue reading

  Business leaders from the North West of England, North Wales and beyond are invited to a sustainability-boosting event this June, to take inspiration and practical tips from a panel of experts.

  Organised by the University of Chester, it aims to help businesses thrive, as forces for good that people want to work for, buy from, and invest in.

  The event is being held, in partnership with UK for Good, at the University’s Riverside Innovation Centre, on Tuesday June 4. It has been planned by staff from Chester Business School and the Sustainability and Environment Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute (SERKEI) at the University.

  It is hoped that the day will see businesses and organisations from across the region immerse themselves in a day of positive sustainability and be inspired by meaningful networking, discussions and practical tips. They will also be treated to a plant-based lunch made by the University’s award-winning catering team.

  As organisers Louise Goodman and Dr Rebecca Collins explain, the event looks to be a catalyst for collaboration in a world of rapidly-changing business where the impact of enterprises on people, communities, and the planet has never been more important.

  Louise Goodman, Knowledge Exchange Manager at Chester Business School, said: “To thrive - rather than just about survive - businesses need to proactively generate profit with purpose. In collaboration with UK for Good and supported by a diverse and exciting line-up of contributors, this conference will inspire, inform and challenge us all to think about how courageous leadership can deliver impactful and enduring business as a force for good.”

  Dr Rebecca Collins, Deputy Head of Division, Humanities, Cultures and Environment and Director of the SERKEI, added: “The University of Chester’s Sustainability and Environment Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute (SERKEI) exists to build relationships between the University and other organisations that enable knowledge-sharing for positive societal and environmental impact. We are looking forward to the Survive or Thrive conference acting as an important catalyst for new collaborations around sustainability in business across the region.”

  The exciting line-up of speakers will share their own experiences of tackling sustainable business challenges, related to environment, climate and nature; people and culture; inclusivity and social value and resources, and waste and circularity:

  • Donna Okell, Founder and Co-CEO of UK For Good, a B Corp Certified business enabling businesses to understand, improve, and embed social and environmental impact into their organisation.
  • Andrew Ashford, CEO of The Bren Project, an award-winning charity which supports and inspires people with learning disabilities and autism to gain experience in the workplace.
  • PK Whalen and Andrea Wood, of Positive Planet, helping organisations tackle their environmental impact and embed sustainable working practices.
  • Julieanna Powell-Turner, Professor of Environmental Sustainability, University of Chester, with more than 20 years’ experience in environmental management and protection.
  • Simon Pringle, Visiting Professor at the University of Chester and an independent coach and management consultant with a passion for supporting leaders to enable change.
  • Dr Matthew Watkins, a Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Product Design Engineering in the Wolfson School at Loughborough University.
  • Elliot Kilbride, accomplished ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) professional, who has built a reputation for success in the financial services and energy sectors.
  • Chantal Davies, Professor of Law, Equality and Diversity in the School of Law and Social Justice at the University of Chester.

  All businesses and organisations, large and small are welcome, and can sign up and find out more on the University of Chester Survive or Thrive conference web page. The event runs from 10am to 4pm at the University of Chester, Riverside Innovation Centre, 1 Castle Drive, Chester, CH1 1SL.

  All income generated from the event will be used to support sustainability projects and activities developed and delivered by University of Chester students.