THE podcast: actions that make a real difference in the fight against climate change
From global finance to the laboratory, hear about two very different ways by which universities can reduce their carbon emissions
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As complex organisations, universities need to examine their many and varied functions when seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and advance sustainability.
For many, the easier changes have been made so, looking ahead, institutions need to get smarter about how they transform their practices and policies.
In this episode, we speak to two women focused on driving positive change and reducing emissions in very different but equally important arenas of university work.
Ellen Quigley is principal research associate at the University of Cambridge. She is also co-director of finance for environmental and social systemic change and special adviser in responsible investment to the university’s chief financial officer. Her own award-winning research focuses on the mitigation of climate change and inequality through the investment policies and practices of institutional investors. Drawing on the example of Jesus College, Cambridge, she explains how universities can use their power as investors to influence and press for environmental change across multiple sectors.
Jenna Lowe is the laboratory sustainability officer at the University of Liverpool. She manages the university’s Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and is a member of the sustainability team. She was shortlisted in the Outstanding Technician of the Year category in the 2024 THE Awards. She discusses how seemingly small adaptations in lab practices can have a huge impact in reducing emissions and waste.
For more resources on this topic, read our spotlight guide on higher education's bumpy road to net zero.
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