The 3rd Future Focus Series: Fresh thoughts on environment and innovation

Co-hosted by Taylor Vinters and Oxfordshire Greentech, our Future Focus series highlights the innovative thinking and business practices that will tackle the world’s greatest challenges.

Now in our 3rd series after 2 successful series previously, this series will look at all new topics - so join the conversation!

SESSION 1 // MAKING FASHION LOOK AND DO GOOD

It's the phrase on many people's lips: fast fashion. More and more, we're becoming aware of the huge amount of raw materials, water and carbon that new clothing requires, and consumers are starting to look for more sustainable options. But what does the future of fashion look like, and what are businesses doing right now to innovate in this space? Can we make our current consumption habits a little greener or do we have to completely rethink our business models and behaviours?

SPEAKERS: Sally Dear, Ducky Zebra; Carrie Lomas, Brand Conscience

Sally will share her journey of setting up kids' clothing brand, Ducky Zebra - including her lightbulb moment and the steps she's taken to reduce her environmental impact. From upcycling to practically-perfect, through to rental and pre-loved.

Sally Dear, founder of Ducky Zebra, is on a mission to reimagine fashion for babies and kids. She left her 15 year career in marketing - predominantly for the automotive and rail sectors - after growing frustrated with the gender stereotypes found in high street kids' clothing. Ducky Zebra creates colourful, sustainable clothes that are free from these stereotypes and inspire kindness and confidence in those who wear them. Made from organic cotton with plant-based dyes, Sally also has a strong focus on sustainable production.

WHEN: Thursday 9 June 2022 at 9.30-11.00AM

SESSION 2 // THE FUTURE OF ENERGY SYSTEMS AND COMMUNITY

As the UK is battered by rising energy prices and awareness of the need to transition to fossil-free, smart, flexible and sustainable energy systems grows, could decentralising our energy systems provide a solution? What innovative technologies are needed? And what if a more localised model could enable our communities to flourish, as well as making access to clean energy more equitable and affordable?

SPEAKERS: Professor Rajat Gupta, Oxford Brookes University; Damon Rand, Bristol Energy Cooperative

Professor Rajat will be speaking about one of the UK’s most ambitious, wide-ranging and innovative energy trials, seeking to accelerate the UK’s transition to a zero-carbon energy system with a pilot project in Oxfordshire - Project LEO. Damon will be speaking about the Microgrid Foundry - a new community initiative that de-risks early stage microgrid projects through a portfolio approach while plugging investment back into the community.

WHEN: Tuesday 21st June 2022 at 9.30-11.00AM

SESSION 3 // HOW WE CAN PROTECT OCEANS AND HOW THEY CAN HELP US

Ocean are incredible entities, not only for the wide range of biodiversity, aesthetic beauty, food and enjoyment they provide, but also their huge production of oxygen, storage of carbon, and regulation of the earth's climate. But with plastic waste and rising global temperatures threatening life in oceans, how can we make sure these precious ecosystems are protected and regenerated? And what role could oceans have to play in our global race to net zero?

SPEAKERS: TBC

WHEN: Wednesday 13 July 2022 at 9.30-11.00AM