University event to debate the viability for a sustainable future

An event to explore the challenges for building a sustainable future will be hosted by the University of Suffolk as part of its topical Spotlight Suffolk series.

Green Future – Hype or Hope? will be held at The Hold in Ipswich on Thursday 27 February and brings together a panel of experts to discuss the viability of sustainability initiatives, whether they have the potential to being truly transformative or just painting an optimistic picture of the future.  

The free event welcomes a panel of experts from the University, Suffolk Country Council, Suffolk New College and Sizewell C, and will be hosted by Suffolk County Council chair, Councillor Liz Harsant. 

The panel will share their expertise on a range of topics including green skills, the built environment and the energy sector and will explore how Suffolk is responding to climate and sustainability challenges and whether the county is prepared and able to deliver a greener future. Following the main debate, the floor will be opened up to the audience for a question-and-answer session.  

In addition to the main debate and Q&A, attendees will be able to network with individuals and groups with a shared interest in green issues. 

The University’s Spotlight Suffolk series provides space to debate topical issues that have a significant impact across the county. Launched in 2023, previous Spotlight Suffolk events have debated the possibility of Ipswich applying for city status, and the benefits and challenges of Artificial Intelligence. 

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Suffolk will open the event and said: “It is exciting to welcome everyone to this Spotlight event. 

“Our panel of experts will bring their diverse experience to discuss the key issues around sustainability and the reality of preparing for a greener future and we encourage the audience to engage with the debate as we open the floor for questions. 

”The Spotlight Suffolk events are part of our commitment as a civic university to engage with the community and create a space for important issues to be discussed and debated.  

The Green Future; Hype or Hope? Panel will include Director of Suffolk Sustainability Institute Darryl Newport, Director of Business Development and Major Projects at Suffolk New College Emma Taylor, Head of Environment Strategy at Suffolk County Council Matt Hullis, Peter Bryant – Director of ESG & Radiation Strategy, Sizewell C, and Environmental and Sustainability Analyst and PhD candidate at the University of Suffolk Ufuoma Egbegbedia.  

Justine Oakes, Head of Strategic Estates Management at the University of Suffolk said:  

“The University of Suffolk is continually looking to improve its own green future whether it is reducing carbon emissions or improving biodiversity while the work of our Suffolk Sustainability Institute leads quality research, training and innovation around climate change and sustainability. It is exciting to bring together specialists with a passion on the subject and for our own experts to contribute to this important debate.” 

In 2023, the University of Suffolk was named as Suffolk’s Green Business of the Year in the Creating the Greenest County Awards and rank in the top 10 of all UK universities for waste and recycling (People and Planet 2022). 

The Suffolk Spotlight event is a free but ticketed event. To reserve a place, please visit the University website here or the event link here.