Speakers announced for UK session of Ashden 2012 conference; behaviour change a key theme
Leading experts in behaviour change and sustainability will discuss how to change our energy culture at the morning, UK-focused session of Ashden’s 2012 Conference: Sustainable energy for all on 29 May.
We are excited to announce that speakers have now been finalised for this session, which will be chaired by sustainability guru Jonathon Porrit, Founder Director of Forum for the Future and former Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission.
Joanna Yarrow, Founder Director of Beyond Green will talk about how she has helped organisations to become more sustainable and highlight the importance of providing opportunities for experiencing doing things differently – whether for individuals, organisations or places – as a key driver for change. Joanna has been described as television’s ‘voice of sustainability’ and among other things is credited with helping Ariel ‘turn to 30’.
Holly Knight, Head of Sustainability at the Olympic Development Authority will be talking about creating a culture of sustainability and what impact this with have on the 2012 Games. She will also talk about creating a blue-print for future Games.
Also present will be some of this year’s UK finalists for the 2012 Ashden Awards as well as the finalists for the first ever Ashden Eurostar Award for Sustainable Travel. From Student Switch Off’s eco power rangers, the City of Ghent’s success in making cycling the ‘new normal’ and the University Hospital in South Manchester (UHSM)’s progress in galvanising hospital staff to play their part in cutting carbon, all will share their experiences of increasing energy efficiency, developing local renewable energy solutions and changing behaviour.
UHSM Communications Manager Susan Osborne, who has spearheaded the hospital’s behaviour change drive, says: “We are not in the easiest area - we’re in the shadow of an airport and on the fringes of one of the biggest housing estates in Europe. This is not leafy Richmond, it’s the gritty North. So if we can do it, anyone can.”
Ashden’s UK Programmes Manager Simon Brammer said: “If we are to meet our legally binding carbon reduction targets in the UK we can’t rely on technology alone. Our speakers will be sharing unique insights into the challenges of getting employees to adopt more energy efficiency habits, householders to turn down their thermostats and commuters to choose two wheels instead of four.”
The afternoon session of the conference will focus on making universal energy access a reality, in keeping with the international Year of Sustainable Energy for All.
Register for the conference here.
Join the pre-conference chatter on twitter: #Ashden12
