Now in Beta-testing on invite only
23rd April 2026
Organisation: UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy
Authors: Eleanor Braithwaite, Imogen Heaton, Rainer Fernandes, Emma Wilson
Loughborough University’s Technical Sustainability Champions Network (TSC) is spearheaded by Eleanor Braithwaite alongside technical professionals, Imogen Heaton, Rainer Fernandes, and Emma Wilson. The TSC is closely aligned with the university’s sustainability strategy and provides a link between the specialised knowledge and experiences of the technical experts on one hand and the broader strategic arm of sustainability development goals on the other.
The TSC was a self-directed initiative that started with Eleanor and Imogen identifying LEAF as something valuable and working to bring it to the university. Early goals were lofty with university wide accreditation the chief aim. With LEAF being laboratory based, there was a clear need for wider involvement in this project. As such, the idea for the TSC took root around this time and Eleanor and Imogen looked to reach out and bring other technical professionals into the stream of work. Initial uptake was promising, albeit mediated by the familiar caveats that finding time would be challenging and that capacity did not exist for additional responsibilities. Nevertheless, the interested parties were determined and within a month the first meeting was organised, and it would only be a few weeks longer until the first success was achieved.
This success was a change to the WEEE waste procedure, which was changed so that sustainability is considered prior to disposal of still working equipment. A greater emphasis on reusing materials and reducing waste followed, and informed other related acts. The group has also introduced a Lab Cycling Teams channel to encourage more labs to donate equipment across campus rather than simply wasting equipment. This channel has also facilitated equipment being loaned out rather than new items being bought for short-term grants. The group has successfully grown over the last three years to involve most schools across the university, and perceptions of the group have increased positively. For example, the co-chairs now are consulted by the university on how sustainability in labs can be improved. The group has a standing section in the technicians’ newsletter where they spotlight sustainability work across campus labs. Technicians at Loughborough secured internal funding for a summer research student to identify more ways to improve sustainable processes within teaching laboratories, with a focus on how more can be done to improve sustainability and share resources in shared buildings. Eleanor flagged the sustainability internship as being among the greatest successes of the sustainability work and this was a holistic example of success and dedication. The TSC was pleased to have won the internal funding application for the internship among more traditional calls for research funding, for example. The capacity created by having a sustainability intern was crucial to facilitating initiatives and successes for the TSC and university. Additionally, and much like Eleanor, the intern was highly motivated and keen to see the blossoming sustainability actions developed further.
Being involved in the strategic decision-making of the university means that the TSC can be a useful force at different points and levels of influence.
A key learning is the importance of building a collaborative network to drive change, particularly when working across departments with varying priorities and capacity. Starting with small, achievable actions helped build momentum and credibility.
Securing a dedicated resource, such as the sustainability intern, was critical in enabling sustained progress and scaling initiatives. Communication channels, such as newsletters and shared platforms, were also essential in maintaining engagement and promoting best practice.
