Spring at Richmond University – Celebrating Sustainability Week
As a member of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), Richmond University is deeply committed to sustainability. Representing London and the Southwest, we continue to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, research, and community engagement.
This spring, our Sustainability Week shines a spotlight on waste, recycling, and the circular economy. Recognised as Recycling Champions within Chiswick Business Park, we believe that meaningful change happens when we act together โ and that starts right here on campus.
Get Sustainable: Whatโs on at Richmond
Between the 20th and 27th March we’re bringing a vibrant mix of exhibitions, events, and activities to campus. Whether you’re a seasoned sustainability advocate or just getting started, there’s something for everyone. Join us, take part, and add your voice to our growing community of sustainability champions.
WASTE, RECYCLING AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Go green, Save Green
- Bring a reusable cup to the campus cafรฉ and enjoy a 50p discount when buying a hot drink.
Sustainable Fashion
- Fashion students are leading a new initiative to set pledges related to the use, recycling and consumption of products such as clothes, electronics and food. From Friday 20 March until Friday 27 March, all members of the Richmond community are invited to join them and write their own pledge โ are you up for the challenge?
- Visit the exhibition at the University Reception to add your pledge, support more sustainable habits, and show that the Richmond community is committed to action.
Sustainability Section in the Library
- Dive into a selection of eye-opening resources on waste and recycling at the library. Browse books, articles and documentaries that uncover where our waste really goes, how recycling systems work, and what we can do differently in our daily lives.
- Drop in, explore a display curated for this week, and leave with at least one new idea you can put into practice โ small changes can make a big difference.
SDG Exhibition
- Explore how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being put into practice in the automobile, hospitality and fashion sectors.
- From Friday 20 March, students will be inviting you to add your name to support their journey by linking up to their names on the board.
- Join the Presentation on Friday 27 March (see below for details).
Sustainability Weekโs Schedule of Events
Friday, 20 March
Guest Talk with Jenny Valfre – Head of European Marketing at Chipotle (restaurant sector)
11:20am
Classroom 10, Richmond Campus (join online)
Jenny moved to London 4 years ago as a social media manager for a number of agencies in Miami, Florida to pursue her MBA in Business at Richmond University. Soon after her first semester she landed her first UK based job as a Marketing Executive at Taco Bell UK where she worked on the brand team to drive marketing plans for over 130 restaurants. She now works for Chipotle Mexican Grill as the Brand Manager for Chipotle UK, France and Germany. In her role, she is responsible for driving marketing strategy in Europe, planning new menu items, new restaurant openings, and works internationally to grow awareness and fandom for Chipotle.
Monday 23 March
Waste and Circular Economy – The Good, the Bad and the Scale of Change
12:30pm โ 1:30pm
Classroom 3 (join online)
[Open to external guests – register here]
Join this thought-provoking outreach talk by Inma Ramos, Director of the Institute for Corporate Sustainability.
From overflowing bins to innovative business models, waste sits at the heart of todayโs sustainability challenges. This session will explore what is working well, where current approaches fall short, and how big the change needs to be if we are serious about a circular economy.
Open to everyone; students, staff, local residents and community groups โ the talk will draw on real examples from companies, cities and everyday life to show how we can move from โless badโ to genuinely transformative circular practices. Come along to reflect, question and imagine the scale of change ahead, and to discover practical ways you can get involved.
Wednesday 25 March
A Conversation with Dax Lovegrove
10AM
Classroom 7 (join online)
Join us for a talk with Dax Lovegrove, a corporate sustainability leader with 25 yearsโ experience across business and NGOs. He has led ESG and innovation at brands like Versace, Jimmy Choo and Swarovski, and advises companies across fashion, retail, technology and more.
Dax will share insights on key sustainability challenges including net zero, circular economy, responsible sourcing and labour standards.
Upcycling Workshop
3PM
Reception
Fashion Society is holding an upcycling workshop for Sustainability Week! This upcycling workshop will help students turn unwanted items into unique and artistic pieces, which can reduce clothing waste and help with developing creative upcycling fashion skills. It’s a fun, hands-on way to fight fast fashion and create a more sustainable, personalized wardrobe. During the event we will be adding patchwork, accessorizing, and altering pre loved clothing.
Clothing from charity shops will be provided as backup, but please try to bring any old clothing that you already have! There will be buttons, fabric, rhinestones, and sewing materials free to use how you would like! You don’t have to be in the society or a Fashion Student to participate, everyone is welcome!
Wednesday/Thursday, 25 and 26 March
Carbon Literacy Training
Part 1 – Wednesday, from 12:30 to 3:30pm (Classroom 9)
Part 2 – Thursday, from 12:30 to 4:30pm (Group study room, Library)
The Institute for Corporate Sustainability (ICS) is pleased to invite faculty, staff and students to attend Carbon Literacy training. Upon completion of the 2-part training and submission of a brief assessment, successful participants will receive accreditation as Carbon Literate from the Carbon Literacy Project.
Carbon Literacy is defined by The Carbon Literacy Project:
โAn awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions on an individual, community and organisational basisโ.
This event is for faculty, staff and students only – please register by emailing Faculty Support [email protected]
Friday 27 March
SDGs in Automobile, Fashion and Hospitality sectors
11:00am
Main Reception – Richmond Campus
Please join BUSM 5101 Global Responsible Business students to explore how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being put into practice in the automobile, hotels, restaurants, and fashion sectors.
Rethinking Plastics: Innovation, Markets, and New Rules of the Game
12:30PM – 1:30PM
Classroom 10 (join online)
[Open to external guests – register here]
Plastics are everywhere ; in products, supply chains, and global sustainability debates. But as innovation accelerates and regulation tightens, the question is not just how we use plastics, it is how we rethink them. Join Inma Ramos, Director of the Institute for Corporate Sustainability, for an insightful talk exploring how innovation, market dynamics, and emerging policy frameworks are transforming the future of the plastics economy.
Become a Sustainability Champion
Discover the whole timetable and make the most of all activities: Student Affairs โ Information and support from Richmond Student Affairs
Join us, take part and help make Richmond University a model of sustainable living and learning.
