Sustainability Week Seminars - Part 1

The Sustainability Seminars are a key highlight of Sustainability Week 2025 at the University of Sunderland, offering an opportunity for attendees to hear from academics, industry experts, and community leaders about exciting sustainability projects and initiatives. The seminars aim to inspire positive action by showcasing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Meet outside room 219 in the Murray Health building from 4.30pm for refreshments and networking. Seminars will run from 5.00pm until 7.00pm with opportunties to ask questions throughout the sessions. See details of the seminars below:

Sustainability and Manufacturing
This presentation explores a novel approach to enhancing the mechanical performance and sustainability of FDM-printed components through Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing (MMAM). By strategically combining virgin PLA and recycled PLA, we investigate how material composition and layer placement influence strength, thermal stability, and overall performance. Our findings highlight the potential of MMAM to reduce reliance on virgin polymers while improving part quality, offering valuable insights for sustainable manufacturing and circular economy initiatives.

Sustainability Development Goals and Business
Fresh from the TEDx Teesside stage, Tamma joins us to deliver an engaging talk on the SDGs, ESG, and the triple bottom line. The session will highlight how businesses can drive sustainability while balancing profit, people, and the planet - underscoring the need for ethical leadership and long-term impact in a rapidly evolving global economy.

University of Sunderland and Durham Wildlife Trust Biodiversity Project
Learn about the collaborative biodiversity project between the University of Sunderland and Durham Wildlife Trust, which aims to enhance local wildlife habitats and improve biodiversity in the region.

Enrich the Earth – Community Composting Initiative
Enrich the Earth is a collaborative iniciative seeking to get the maximum financial and environmental value from green waste. Discover how Enrich the Earth’s composting initiative is helping to reduce waste and educate the community about sustainable waste practices. This session will highlight how composting bins have been introduced to the university’s community garden, A Space 2 Grow, where staff and students volunteer.