We are proud to announce a new initiative at the Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) that brings the world of sustainable construction and green engineering into primary school classrooms across Salford and Blackburn. With support from an Ingenious Award from the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, our engineering ambassadors will be working with Year Five pupils to explore how innovation can help build a more sustainable future.
Why This Matters
According to World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the built environment is one of the largest contributors to climate change, accounting for:
- 40% of global carbon emissions
- Over 30% of global final energy use
- Nearly half of the world’s natural resource consumption
At the same time, the UK faces a looming engineering skills gap, with a projected shortfall of one million engineers by 2030. This dual challenge (environmental and workforce-related), demands urgent, innovative, and inclusive solutions.
Our Approach
Through this project, we are:
- Educating young minds on the principles of sustainable development, including retrofitting, renewable energy, and biodiversity preservation.
- Demonstrating real-world impact by showcasing cutting-edge research at Energy House 2.0, a living lab for green building technologies.
- Inspiring future engineers by making sustainability creative and fun through hands-on activities like designing and building miniature eco-homes.
Broader Impact
This initiative is more than a teaching project, it’s a strategic investment in the future:
- It bridges the gap between academic research and public understanding.
- It cultivates curiosity and career interest in engineering among underrepresented groups.
- It amplifies the role of engineers as climate champions and community leaders.
As Dr Silvia Tedesco, Associate Professor of Sustainability discusses:
“Educating the next generation on sustainability and improving the environment are central to our work here at Salford.”
“We’re at a pinnacle moment in the fight against climate change and educating young people on the importance of sustainable practices, while also attracting young talent to explore careers in the space, is critical.”
Further reading
University receives funding to inspire next generation of engineers in the North West