Bourne Education Trust hosts inaugural sustainability conference

Today Bourne Education Trust held its first-ever sustainability conference at the Built Environment Trust in London, marking a significant step in its commitment to environmental education. The event, which followed BET's successful Green Week, brought together 50 Year 6 and 7 students and staff from across the Trust's schools.

The conference featured a series of engaging sessions designed to educate and inspire young minds about sustainability in the built environment. Key presentations included:

1. "What is the built environment and why is it important?" by Sandra Hedblad from the Built Environment Trust

2. Student-led presentations showcasing Green Week activities from various BET schools

3. "Let's go Zero and Edge" by Michelle Wang, Sustainability Manager at Deloitte Global, William Cappuyns from Let's Go Zero and Chash Bonnie Toro, Landscape Designer at Farrer Huxley

Students demonstrated their enthusiasm and growing awareness of environmental issues through a range of thought-provoking questions. These included enquiries about carbon capture efficiency of different tree species, methods to enhance building recyclability and adaptability, sustainability comparisons between tall and wide structures, eco-friendly parking lot designs and the environmental implications of timber construction.

"We are incredibly proud of our students' engagement with these critical issues," said Kate Sanders, COO and Sustainability Lead at Bourne Education Trust. "Their insightful questions reflect a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding sustainability. This inaugural conference not only showcases our commitment to environmental education but also provides a platform for our young learners to interact with experts and develop their ideas. It's a testament to the importance of hands-on, collaborative learning experiences in nurturing environmentally conscious citizens ready to tackle the challenges of the future.”

This groundbreaking event represents a significant milestone in BET's ongoing commitment to sustainability education. The Trust aims to build on this success, integrating environmental awareness across its curriculum and extra-curricular activities. By providing students with opportunities to engage with real-world sustainability challenges, BET is preparing them to become innovative problem-solvers and leaders in creating a more sustainable future.

Further updates and outcomes from the conference will be shared in the coming days.