Annual Sustainability Expo at Bournemouth University inspires collaboration

BU's Centre for Sustainable Business Transformations (CSBT) has hosted its annual Sustainability Expo, bringing businesses and academics together for an afternoon of discussions and networking.

Professor Marcjanna Augustin (left) and Dr Mili Shrivastava

The event highlighted the latest advancements in sustainability, from nanotechnology to the data-driven circular economy, underscoring the critical role of collaboration in achieving a sustainable future.

Following a networking lunch, Professor Lee Miles, Deputy Dean of The Business School, opened the event and highlighted the importance of sustainable business and collaborations between universities and business.

This was followed by an overview of the CSBT and the afternoon by CSBT Head, Professor Marcjanna Augustyn, who also chaired the event.

The main focus of the afternoon was a series of presentations:

• Decarbonisation and Net Zero: A case study of the harbour project showcased practical steps towards reducing carbon footprint presented by Dr Mili Shrivastava, Deputy Head of CSBT, and Rosie Macnamara, Strategic Projects Manager, Poole Harbour Commissioners.
• Data-Driven Circular Economy and Cybersecurity: This talk explored the integration of smart technologies in circular cities, emphasising the importance of cybersecurity, presented by Professor Vasilis Katos.
• The Devious Threat to Sustainable Business: An eye-opening talk on the hidden challenge of cyberthreats in sustainable business practices and strategies to overcome them, presented by Aiden Arnkels-Webb, Managing Director, Rootwire Ltd.
• Sustainable Materials, Manufacturing, and Design: Innovations in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes were discussed, highlighting their potential impact on various industries, presented by Dr Adil Saeed.
• Sustainability at the University: An exploration of the university's sustainability initiatives demonstrated the institution's commitment to environmental stewardship, presented by Lois Betts, Sustainability Manager at BU

The audience and panel of speakers during the Q&A session

The presentations were followed by a lively Q&A session which allowed participants to engage directly with the panel of speakers, sparking discussions and knowledge sharing.

Towards the end of the event, Rachel Clarke, Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange Manager for The Business School, shared ways businesses can collaborate with the university.

The event concluded with closing remarks and a final networking session, fostering connections that promise to drive future sustainability projects.

"The Annual Sustainability Expo is a testament to the power of collaboration between academia and industry," said Professor Augustyn. "We are excited to see the innovative ideas and partnerships that emerge from this event."

For more information on how you can work with the CSBT on sustainability initiatives, please contact Professor Marcjanna Augustyn ([email protected]) and Dr Mili Shrivastava ([email protected])