The Future Is Green: Sustainability-driven business events begin

Last week, Falmouth University proudly hosted the first in-person training day for The Future is Green (FIG), funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund. The event brought together a diverse range of local and national businesses committed to sustainability, providing a dynamic space for networking and knowledge-sharing.

Project officer Paul Short-Hurst expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “What a brilliant day! It was fantastic to see so many businesses with varied experience in this sector connecting and sharing best practices.”

The day was expertly led by Falmouth's Dr Gregory Borne, course leader for International Business Management MSc; Marcus Simmons, course leader for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management MSc; and Jake Causley, Sustainability Coordinator. 

Adding further value to the event was guest speaker Hugh St Aubyn, PIEMA, MBA from St Aubyn Estates, who delivered a compelling case study on the pioneering sustainability efforts underway at St Michael's Mount. 

His insights provided participants with a unique glimpse into how sustainability can be integrated into business operations on a large scale. 

Participants praised the course for both its educational and networking value. 

Dr Borne said; ‘It was a great day with delegates from different organisations bringing their expertise and experience, and sharing stories of their sustainability journeys. It is these conversations that really start to enable positive change, and I’m looking forward to the next event."

One attendee reflected on how the knowledge gained would impact their work, saying, “This is part of a broader upskilling and updating of previous knowledge, but also benchmarking against cross-sector understanding. I've learned that we're still at the cutting edge, and our understanding of sustainability is becoming more widely accepted, opening up potentials for discussions beyond our narrow operational focus.” 

I've learned that we're still at the cutting edge, and our understanding of sustainability is becoming more widely accepted, opening up potentials for discussions beyond our narrow operational focus

When asked what they enjoyed most about the course, another participant highlighted the importance of collaboration: “The opportunity to network and openly discuss the challenges facing this diverse group within their sectors, and also for each of us as individuals, was invaluable.” 

With such a positive response to the first training day, we look forward to continuing The Future is Green initiative, helping businesses and individuals embrace sustainability and drive forward the transition to a low-carbon economy. 

Upcoming Events: Make Your Business Greener - Thursday 21 November 2024

Learn to measure and manage sustainability impact in your organisation, with a special focus on the visitor economy. You'll develop a real-world action plan to help promote sustainable tourism and boost Cornwall’s reputation as a responsible tourism destination.

These in-person workshops will again be hosted at our Penryn Campus and include lunch, refreshments, parking, and networking opportunities.

Online versions of both courses will also be available in early 2025, offering a flexible two-week program with live webinars and self-study components.

Whether you want to enhance your CPD or upskill your team, this offer is open to eligible businesses and individuals within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.