THE IMPORTANCE of innovation in limiting climate change and addressing shared sustainability challenges will be the focus of the second Sustainability Summit set to take place at the University of Northampton on May 20-21.
Academics, businesses and representatives from the public sector will gather at the university to measure their progress towards the goals set out in the Northampton Sustainability Accord.
The two-day summit aims to accelerate progress by examining the role of innovation, by identifying solutions to industry challenges, by sharing knowledge and best practice and by showcasing successful initiatives in Northampton and the Midlands.
Guest speakers include Matthew Rolph, managing director of the summit’s headline sponsor Graf UK, Anglian Water’s strategic flood and partnership manager Matthew Moore who will present the water authority’s approach to enhancing Northamptonshire’s biodiversity, and Neil Morris, co-founder and chief executive of Kelpi which offers a real alternative to fossil-fuel plastics.
Dr Ebenezer Laryea, associate professor of sustainable development law at the university and chair of the planning committee, will also report on the progress made towards the Northampton Sustainability Accord.
He said: “As a university we are in a position to bring stakeholders together and nurture collaboration, and we have the expertise needed to support organisations wanting to adopt sustainable practices.
“We hope the 2024 summit will provide a fresh impetus to go further with that work by showing how innovation is helping local stakeholders to progress towards more sustainable practices.”
In addition to the six keynote speeches, there will be round table, plenary and question-and-answer sessions as well as networking opportunities. To register to attend the summit, visit the University’s online shop. Tickets are £80.