Sustainability Week 2025: Celebrating a week of impact and innovation

Today marks the final day of Sustainability Week 2025, so it is only right to reflect on some of the highlights from the action-packed week! From film screenings to new initiatives, insightful discussions and practical workshops, this annual event has once again demonstrated the power of collective action in addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges to sustainability.  

Sustainability Week took place between 24th – 28th February 2025, as part of the Feel Good February initiative. Working in collaboration with the Guild of Students, the Sustainability Team, with the help of staff and students from across the University, we delivered over 25 educational, wellbeing, and creative activities and events, that covered a range of sustainability topics. 

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Sustainability Week marked the formal launch of the University’s new Sustainability Strategy, with the programme centred around its three core pillars: Research, Education & Student Experience, and Sustainable Campus & Operations. Events held during the week were varied to reflect our broader commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the both the Sustainability Fair and the launch of the new Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainable Research. Let's take a look at some of the highlights: 

Sustainability Fair  

The Sustainability Fair, held on Wednesday at the Guild of Students, brought together sustainability-focused research projects, student-led initiatives, and the departments committed to environmental and social responsibility.

With over 20 interactive stalls and nearly 250 attendees, it was a great opportunity for both staff and students to learn about and engage directly with those driving sustainability at the University of Liverpool. From the Heseltine Institute’s insights on sustainability in public policy to the Centre for Sustainable Business’ approach to ethical enterprise, the fair showcased a wide range of topics spanning climate action, circular economy, biodiversity, sustainable food systems, and social justice.

The BeanMeals project highlighted research on healthy, sustainable school meals and efforts to reduce food waste, while Libraries and Museums invited attendees to explore innovative new technologies which are available at the Makerspace in Sydney Jones Library. Sustainable procurement took centre stage with initiatives like NETpositive Futures, Fairtrade, and the Tuco framework, ensuring ethical and eco-friendly purchasing. Meanwhile, discussions on sustainable IT services uncovered the hidden environmental costs of digital technology, from cloud storage and server pollution to energy-intensive processing. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to network, share ideas, and spark inspiration for continued action beyond Sustainability Week.  

X Trillion film screening 

On Tuesday we held an exclusive screening of the inspiring documentary X Trillion, which provided a powerful opportunity for students and staff to engage with the urgent issue of ocean plastic pollution. The film’s emphasis on scientific exploration and the resilience of its all-women crew resonated deeply, sparking meaningful discussions on the role of education in driving environmental action.

Attendees also had the chance to participate in a hands on, eco-friendly collage making workshop led by Plastic Tactics, where they created unique artwork using soft plastics like bubble wrap and packaging scraps, framed beautifully in plywood. The event also showcased the University of Liverpool Circular Economy capstone team, a group of mechanical engineering students working to repurpose laboratory plastic waste into functional items for departments and even exploring plastic prosthetics to support the local community. Their collaboration with the LEAF project was on display through posters, prototypes, and materials, demonstrating the transformative potential of engineering innovation in sustainability. The event served as a reminder of how education, creativity, and innovation can inspire both awareness and tangible change in the fight against plastic waste. 

Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainable Research (ICSR) launch  

On Wednesday evening, staff, students, and members of the public gathered for the much-anticipated launch of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research (ICSR). The event marked the beginning of the dynamic hub, which is uniting experts from diverse fields to develop impactful solutions for global sustainability challenges.

Professor Katie Atkinson, Director of ICSR, provided an inspiring overview of the Centre’s vision and objectives. She emphasised the importance of collaboration across disciplines to drive meaningful change and outlined the Centre’s forthcoming activities designed to bridge academic expertise with real-world impact. The ICSR will play a crucial role in advancing the University of Liverpool’s new Sustainability Strategy, further cementing the University’s position as a leader in pioneering sustainability research and innovation. 

Guided tours  

Sustainability Week also featured a series of guided tours offering an in depth look at some of the University’s sustainable infrastructure. On Tuesday and Thursday, staff and students toured the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), a hub for cutting edge research in sustainable materials, and the Energy Centre, which contributes to the University's sustainability goals by reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency across the campus. 

Staff and students also had the unique opportunity to take an exclusive guided tour of The Spine, one of the world’s healthiest buildings. The tour showcased its cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies, green spaces, and innovative sustainable design features. The Spine is designed to prioritise both mental and physical well-being and it is among the first buildings in the UK set to achieve Platinum WELL Standard Certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and intelligent design.  

New initiatives and resources  

Several exciting new initiatives were launched during Sustainability Week. The University’s new Sustainability Strategy was formally launched, with drop-in sessions hosted by our Associate Director of Sustainability, Sally Shaw, and Head of Environmental Sustainability and Energy Services, Rachael Hanmer-Dwight, providing staff and students with the opportunity to learn more and get involved with shaping the University’s sustainable pathway to 2031.  

Our new Biodiversity Plan was also unveiled, outlining the University’s commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity across campus. Additionally, the new Warp It platform was also launched, allowing staff to share and reuse office furniture and equipment, contributing to our waste reduction targets and promoting a circular economy within the University.  

Guild activities 

The Liverpool Guild of Students played a key role in the success of Sustainability Week 2025, hosting a variety of engaging activities and opportunities to promote and encourage sustainability across campus. The Swap Shop brought together both staff and students to combat fast fashion by giving pre-loved clothing and accessories a second life. Officially launched during Sustainability Week, it has now become a permanent fixture in the Guild, running every Tuesday – Thursday from 10am –3pm. 

The success of this new initiative that makes sustainable fashion more accessible while reducing textile waste, was a fantastic step forward towards a more environmentally conscious community! We also can’t forget the Peloton City Bike Ride, which provided a fun, sustainable and healthy way to explore the city, plus the Sew-cial, and T-shirt Tote Bag Printing, encouraged creative ways to reduce waste. Students also got involved in gardening sessions, learning about urban greening, and took action in The BIG Campus Litter Pick, helping to keep campus clean and litter free.  

Thank you! 

Sustainability Week 2025 was a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can achieve when we unite with a shared vision. A big thank you to all the faculties, departments, and students who hosted events, as well as everyone who participated and engaged with the week’s activities. As we continue to build on the momentum generated, let’s remain committed to the goals of the University’s Sustainability Strategy, championing sustainability in our daily lives and working towards a more sustainable future. See you next year! 

Find out more  

If you attended any of the Sustainability Week events, the Sustainability team would love to hear about your experience. Please contact sustainability@liverpool.ac.uk with your feedback and help make next year even better.  

For more information about sustainability plans and progress at the University of Liverpool please follow our social media channels or contact the Sustainability Team by emailing sustainability@liverpool.ac.uk