Institute for Sustainability news and events

Taeda Tech Project

Project Lead Dr Zoe M. Harris presented an overview of findings across the project, from plant trials in our purpose-built greenhouse and polytunnels environments, to socio-economic and environmental impact studies.  

Earth Makes No Sound - an arts and science collaboration exploring climate sustainability

The piece is a fusion of dynamic choral singing, voice, movement, body percussion and improvisation inspired by the elements and the environmental changes happening to our planet. Participants on this occasion included staff and students from the University of Surrey as well as people local to the Guildford area who are engaged in tackling the climate crisis.

University of Surrey in THE Impact Rankings global top 5% for sustainability impact

The University of Surrey has ranked 86th in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024, which assesses universities around the world for their performance against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This result places Surrey among the top 5% of the nearly 2,000 universities featured in the rankings. 

Fellows involved in international workshop on soundscapes and wellbeing

Fellows of the Institute, Dr Eleanor Ratcliffe, Dr Melissa Marselle, and Dr Sarah Payne, took part in an international workshop organised by The University of Surrey's Environmental Psychology Research Group.

The Institute's First Anniversary Showcase

In December 2023, the Institute celebrated its first year. Watch the highlights of the Showcase in this video.

Strengthening Skills for Sustainability, Prof. Gary Kass - Roland Clift Lecture 2023

Visiting Professor, Gary Kass delivered the annual lecture on Strengthening Skills for Sustainability.

Kathryn Downton wins the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) Award for Environmental Sustainability

Congratulations to Kathryn Downton, Co-Lead of the Sustainability, creativity and communication programme at the Institute, who won the ABTT Award for Environmental Sustainability for pivotal work in the field. Examples include developing the green captain scheme and making clear and measurable impact on the theatre industry. This work aligns with SDG13 (climate action). 

Using the Blockchain to Reduce Carbon Emissions in the Visitor Economy

The visitor economy produces a large proportion of the global carbon footprint. This recent publication is a collaboration with recently welcomed Fellow, Eduard Goean and others to explore how to address this sustainability challenge for decarbonisation in the industry, relating to SDG9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) and SDG11 (sustainable cities and communities).

Wetlands, parks and even botanical gardens among the best ways to cool cities during heatwaves

Read the latest publication from the University of Surrey on research by Co-Director of the Institute, Professor Prashant Kumar and colleagues, on quantifying the cooling effects of green spaces in urban spaces. This work relates to SDG11 (sustainable cities and communities).  

Salad grower trials new water-saving technology

Institute Fellow, Dr Zoe M Harris offers an expert comment on water-saving technologies for vertical farming relating to SDG2 (zero hunger) and SDG7 (affordable and clean energy). BBC South East, 24 Jan 2024