Green Great Britain

Windmills in the ocean. Credit: Natural Environment Research Council

Taking place from October 15-21, Green Great Britain Week is a week of events and announcements to help increase support and raise awareness of the ambitious actions needed tackle climate change and drive clean growth in the UK.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is working with partners across the UK to highlight activity across leadership and climate science; innovation; clean investment; business and industry; and what the public and communities can do.

Monday 15 October - UK Leadership and Climate Science

Green Great Britain Week begins with events at the Natural History Museum, Imperial College London and The Great Hall in Bristol. Led by UKRI’s Natural Environment Council (NERC), these events include the launch of a special report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); a key-note panel discussion about the science of climate communication and social transformation; and an evening lecture in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) about the Paris Agreement.

Sessions and contributions from: Met office, UKRI, Operation Earth and more.

Tuesday 16 October - Innovation

The Clean Growth Innovation Summit, taking place on 16 October at County Hall in London, will form the centrepiece of the week’s focus on technologies of the future. The event, led by Innovate UK on behalf of UKRI, will bring together over 300 delegates from government, small and medium-sized businesses, civil society, investors and media to offer a series of stimulating discussions on the future of low carbon innovation as part of building UK’s clean economy.

The other events taking place on day two are:

Wednesday 17 October - Clean Investment

Wednesday’s theme is Clean Investment with events in both London and Birmingham – led by UKRI’s Economic and Social Research Council. London will host a collaborative discussion about winter deaths and the health-risks associated with cold homes, as well as how this affects health and energy professionals. Birmingham will be hosting the Solar Power Portal Awards, hosted by TV presenter George Clarke, in an evening ceremony celebrating clean energy.

Thursday 18 October - Business Action

Thursday’s theme is about championing sustainability – led by UKRI’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Councils. Two conferences in central London will be taking different approaches to showcase the new ideas and innovation of the UK Clean Growth strategy.

The BT Centre Auditorium will be hosting a multi-sector business panel, introduced by BT Chief Executive Gavin Patterson; this conference will cover UK decarbonisation and future industry challenges. Imperial College London will be hosting a free, fun and engaging night out with drinks in the heart of London called ‘Greenovate’. Greenovate will combine some of the world's most pioneering scientists and engineers to discuss ideas that could help address major environmental issues in a mix of hands-on exercises and debates.

Event sessions and contributions from: BT, UKRI, BEIS Aldersgate Group, IKEA, WSP, Associate British Ports, Hutchinson Engineering, Legal and General Investment Management and more.

Friday 19 October - People’s Action

The week closes with The 2018 Community Energy Awards. The awards will take place in Bristol followed by a conference with Bristol Energy Network and Bristol City Council. The conference will explore how local authorities and communities have been tackling climate change over the past decade since the Climate Change act was first enacted.

Community Energy Awards 2018

Further information

Follow our events and activities on social media via the hashtags #GreenGB #CleanGrowth #CleanUK