Green Week 2023

Join us to celebrate all things eco this Autumn at Green Week, Monday 13 - Friday 17 November 2023.

University of Birmingham campus during autumn where the trees have red leaves falling to the floor, concealing the Aston Webb building in the background

All staff and students are encouraged to take part in the exciting programme of events. 

All Week

Old Joe turns green

Our iconic clock tower will be lit up green to mark the occasion. 

Sustainability Champion

Please complete the questionnaire if you would like to participate in the University of Birmingham's Sustainability Champion scheme. The role of the champions will be to drive sustainability initiatives by seeking opportunities aligned with the University's agenda and promote sustainable behaviours. Champions will act as a key contact for sustainability inquiries within their departments, disseminating information, and actively engaging in collaborative projects as part of the sustainability champions network.

Simple steps to save energy

Hear from Student Content Creators Hannah and Erin on how you can make some simple changes to save energy and money on your bills

 

Monday 13 November

Taste the future! 

Cuore, The Green Heart, 11:00 - 15:00 

  • Eat Curious supplies all University of Birmingham outlets with meat-free, dairy-free plant-based products, all developed at their high-tech 'plant playground' in a farm in Northamptonshire. Come along to hear their story and sample some delicious plant-based tasters.
  • Food Fellows will share information on Fairtrade goods, rice husk cups and reusable bottles sold on campus. 
  • Our suppliers Matthew Algie (coffee), DCS, Beaumont Fresh and Bidfood will also be present at Cuore, ready to speak about their products and sustainability, alongside some food taster giveaways. 

T-shirt to Cushion Upcycling

Students only event. Sense Touchbase Pears on the Bristol Road, 12:00 - 15:00

The Community Wardens welcome students to upcycle old shirts by turning them into cushions. T-shirts and decorations will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own as well! The event is completely free, and booking is not required. Drinks and snacks will be provided. 

Make or Mend with Craft Society

Student only event. Guild Reception, 13:30 - 16:30

Join the Student Activities Department and Craft Society to learn how to make an item which can be used to personalise your belongings- whether that be to add to clothing, a tablecloth, or a bag/storage item! This activity is ideal for committee members of student groups to understand how you can repurpose or revitalise your group's belongings, or if you are a student that is interested in learning more about how to get involved in student groups!

Veolia 

Mermaid Square, The Guild, 11:00 - 15:00

Discover practical tips, insights, and initiatives that Veolia are implementing to promote sustainable living. From waste management strategies to community projects, this session is your chance to engage with experts, ask questions, and gain inspiration for making a positive impact.

Join us in taking meaningful steps toward a greener future. Your journey towards sustainability starts here!

Tuesday 14 November

Haazar Sustainable Student Market Place

Students only event. The Underground in the Guild of Students, 10:00 - 17:00

Working to create a zero-waste marketplace, Hazaar will provide a platform for students to purchase and sell their clothes from eachother. 

UoB Debating Society at Green Week 

Students only event. Guild Council Chambers, 18:00 onwards

Debating Society are pleased to offer students the opportunity to take part in a number of green-themed debates. In groups of four, participants will begin by discussing key green issues, before leading up to debates within and surrounding different areas of sustainability. 

Wednesday 15 November

Thriving Futures: The role of the University in shaping policy for a more sustainable world

Zoom, 13:00 - 14:00pm

In this webinar, hear from some of the people at the University of Birmingham who are working with politicians and businesses to help ensure climate policy is based on the best possible research. Also, hear from the University’s student community on the initiatives and projects helping to address the climate crisis.

Litter Pick Walk

Meet at Old Joe, Chancellors Court, 12:30 - 1:30 

Join us for a walk from campus along the canal to the Vale, where we will be litter picking along the way. Be in nature, meet new people & help your local environment! All equipment will be provided. The session will be outdoors so please wear suitable clothes & shoes for an hour-long leisurely walk.

Advanced booking is required so it is ensured that there will be enough equipment for everyone, so book your space at your earliest convenience via the Active Residences website.*

*How to book: 

  1. Go to the Active Residences page, and click book onto an activity
  2. Log in using your details. Please note UoB students are automatically set up with a Sport & Fitness account, even if you are not a member. To login for the first time, you will need to request your PIN, which you can do by following the ‘Forgotten Your PIN?’ link on the log in page. If you already have a PIN, you are good to go!
  3. Click ‘Make a Booking’, followed by ‘Active Residences’, select the class you would like to attend, and click ‘Book’.

PSEC in conversation with the Sustainability Team

Staff only event. Room 121, Muirhead Tower, 13:00 - 14:00

PSEC (Professional Services Early Careers network) is collaborating with the Professional Services Sustainability Team to raise awareness of some of the amazing work that we do every day to achieve our institutional sustainability goals.
Hear from colleagues about their career journeys in Sustainability at the University, and learn more about how we can get involved with sustainability as early careers members of Professional Services.

Registration is required. Sign up via Office 365.

Planet Earth III Screening

Lecture Theatre 301, Biosciences, 12:00 - 14:00

The Centre for Environmental Research and Justice (CERJ) is hosting a screening of the freshwater episode of Planet Earth III. We will follow up the episode with an interactive student-led discussion with environmental researchers from the centre covering topics spanning climate change, chemical pollution and biodiversity across themes linked to COP28 such as engagement with young people and environmental justice. 

All are welcome to join and contribute. If any students or early career researchers would like to help lead the conversation, or would like to contribute to the write up of the discussion in the next CERJ newsletter, please contact Niamh

Take a Walk Among Time Traveling Trees: Virtual Reality Workshop

Arts Lecture Theatre 2, Arts Building (Staff and Students) 14:30 - 16:00

During this immersive activity, we invite staff and students to join us on a virtual tour of the woodland. Working in pairs or small groups you will find out more about the research that is happening in our forest laboratory. Participants will work together to uncover clues and solve puzzles, using virtual reality headsets and/ or touch screen devices.

By completing our ‘escape-room style activities’ you will gain a sense of the scale of the BIFoR FACE site, a better understanding of the measurements we are taking and a deeper awareness of the impact of climate change on our woodlands and forests. Please note this event is capped at 25 attendees and registration will be on a first come first serve basis. Register via this form to take part: Microsoft Forms

Thursday 16 November

Bike Valeting and More

Gear Up Bike Shop in Staff House Square, 14:00 - 17:00 

Bring your bike down to Gear Up in Staff House for FREE winter valeting, FREE Bike Register, FREE D locks and bike lights to buy. Drop in for this first come-first served event. Further info here: Bike Valeting on Cycle-to-Work Day (birmingham.ac.uk)

Bike Maintenance Course

Thursday 16 November (and two following Thursdays)

Location TBC on booking confirmation, 17:30 - 19:30

Keeping your bike in good condition is an essential part of getting the best out of cycling, whether for commuting, errands or exercise, learn how with this introductory three-week course. Please email sustainabletravel@contacts.bham.ac.uk to register interest. Further info here: Bike Maintenance Skills Autumn 2 (birmingham.ac.uk)

Cat's Swap Shop for Sports and Activewear

Student only event. The Underground in the Guild of Students, 11:00 - 16:00

Students will have the opportunity to purchase second-hand sports kits and activewear.

Friday 17 November

Great Green Giveaway

Guild Reception, Guild of Students,  11:00 – 18:00

Make your living space eco-friendly with these simple yet impactful upgrades. Grab your free energy-saving lightbulbs and smart plugs to take the first steps towards a greener and more energy-efficient lifestyle. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future. Swing by the Guild of Students Reception Area and brighten up your commitment to the planet!