Eco expert to inspire staff at launch event

Rob Holdway advises companies and Government in the UK and around the world on how to reduce the environmental impact of their business. He will be speaking at Wolverhampton Science Park on Wednesday, May 26, when the University will also be officially launching its Carbon Management Plan.

The plan is focused on reducing the University’s carbon emissions by 25% over the next five years. It will also raise awareness of issues such as climate change and encourage collective responsibility and action among staff, students and visitors.

Rob will give a seminar before the launch, inspiring staff and business people with ways to reduce carbon emissions, both in the workplace and at home.

He is best known for presenting the Channel 4 reality show Dumped, where 11 unsuspecting people were marooned on to a landfill site and had to forage to survive.

Rob runs his own consultancy, Giraffe Innovation, advising on carbon management and resource efficiency. Giraffe's work has identified savings of more than £75 million and 50,000 tonnes of CO2 for clients. He is also the face and expert for At Home Magazine.

Jane Nelson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Affairs, is chairing the University’s Carbon Management Core Team. She said: “Carbon management enables the University to make a significant contribution to the environment, benefiting current and future generations. We are very pleased to be formally launching our plan and outlining some of our exciting and innovative energy-saving initiatives.

“We are also delighted to be welcoming Rob, who will no doubt have some inspirational ideas and experiences to recount.”

The event has been organised by the University’s Leadership and Development (LEAD) in partnership with the Core Team. Representatives from energy/utilities supply industries and sustainability and environmental consultants will be among those also attending.

There will also be afternoon presentations in partnership with the Information Prophets – Richard Hipkiss, Briar Associates – Ed Horgan, the Core Team, and exhibitors from the energy/utilities supply companies.

The companies have offered complimentary energy saving devices and advice for all attendees.

ENDS

Picture: Rob Holdway

Since April 2009, Wolverhampton has been one of eleven universities participating in the Carbon Trust’s fifth HE Carbon Management programme.This process guides organisations through an analysis of their carbon footprint and the opportunities available to help them manage carbon emissions.

The 40+ universities that have participated so far have achieved an average reduction of 25% in their carbon emissions.

The overriding aim of the programme is to help the higher education sector tackle the threat of climate change, and to achieve significant reductions in energy costs.

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