New Midlands network launched to improve sustainability

11th October 2016

Businesses and communities in the Midlands have come together to launch a new network at the University of Worcester which aims to improve sustainability in the area.

Launched during a conference at the university's city campus, the Midlands Sustainability Network for Further and Higher Education Institutions, brings
together Sustainability West Midlands and the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges.

The audience heard presentations by sustainability experts, with the idea that universities and student unions work with local communities, businesses and voluntary organisations to bring about greater sustainability.

Representatives came from a number of Midlands universities including Aston, Birmingham, Birmingham City, Coventry, Warwick and Wolverhampton, as well as further afield. Sustainability professionals, academics and researchers as well as
representatives of Midlands businesses, Worcester City Council, Worcestershire County Council, Staffordshire County Council and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust also attended.

Katy Boom, the University of Worcester's director of sustainability, has been the driving force behind getting the network off the ground and is the Network's chair. 
She said:

"Rather than all of us trying to do this on our own we have to work together and have a bigger impact.

"If we can influence all the students, the academics and researchers around sustainability, these are the key decision makers that will be going out to the world of work.

"Through both university processes on campus and most importantly how we teach our students that's going to make the biggest impact on sustainability globally.

"It's had huge interest and been really successful so what I perceived as a need has been realised."

Source: Worcester Observer