Countdown under way for the 2024 Sustainability Summit in Northampton

The importance of innovation in limiting climate change and addressing shared sustainability challenges will be the focus of the second Sustainability Summit set to take place at the University of Northampton on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 May.

Following the highly successful summit in 2023, academics, businesses and representatives from the public sector will gather once again at the University to measure their progress towards the goals set out in the Northampton Sustainability Accord.

It is hoped the two-day summit will accelerate progress towards those goals by examining the role of innovation, by identifying solutions to industry challenges, by sharing knowledge and best practice and by showcasing successful initiatives in Northampton and the Midlands.

Guest speakers include Matthew Rolph, Managing Director of Graf UK Ltd which is the headline sponsor for the summit, Matthew Moore, Strategic Flood & Partnership Manager from Anglian Water who will be presenting their innovative approach to enhancing Northamptonshire’s biodiversity, and Neil Morris, Co-Founder & CEO of Kelpi Ltd which offers a real alternative to fossil-fuel plastics.

Dr Ebenezer Laryea, UON’s Associate Professor in Sustainable Development Law and Chair of the planning committee will also be reporting on the progress made towards the Northampton Sustainability Accord.

Dr Laryea said: “As a university we are in a position to bring stakeholders together and nurture collaboration, and we have the expertise needed to support organisations wanting to adopt sustainable practices.

“We hope the 2024 summit will provide a fresh impetus to go further with that work by showing how innovation is helping local stakeholders to progress towards more sustainable practices.”

In addition to the six keynotes speeches, there will be a range of round table, plenary and question-and-answer sessions as well as chances to network during coffee breaks and lunches.

Places at the Summit are limited and anyone wanting to attend can register as a delegate for £80 via the University’s online shop.