Bryanston's inaugural Green Conference

We welcomed 150 pupils from comprehensive, secondary and independent schools in south and north Dorset and Wiltshire to the conference. Guest speakers included renowned environmental campaigners Julia Hailes MBE and Professor John Elkington, accompanied by presentations, panel discussions and a series of mentor-led workshops focussing on environmental awareness, sustainability and regeneration.

The 2022 Green Conference was organised by Bryanston sixth formers Emily S and Bella H, both co-chairs of the school’s Green Committee. The event culminated with a business challenge for mixed teams from the different schools to come up with a new sustainable product and then to pitch their idea to a judging panel of experts and fellow pupils.

Eighteen-year-old Emily S commented: "Our generation is passionate about helping to protect our planet and to establish a more sustainable future, and such enthusiasm and commitment was clear to see at the Conference. We very much hope this will now become an annual event for future pupils from schools all over the region before they start their careers or begin their university education.”

In addition to Julia Hailes and Professor John Elkington, the experience of experts including Monty Bryant, Connor Bryant, Kate Howells, Giles Davies, Nick Radford and Andy Fale was available to pupils attending the Conference and workshops.  The winning idea in the business challenge was deceptively simple – to impregnate the cardboard inside toilet rolls with wild flower seeds.  Other ideas included the use of miniature turbines to create electricity when flushing the toilet or from flowing water in drainpipes and the use of an app to incentivise the use of more eco-friendly travel options.

Click here to see more photos from the Green Conference.