University’s Climate and Social Action series returns with a global focus
Posted on: 19 March, 2026
This April, the University of the Built Environment hosts another exciting and engaging fortnight of Climate and Social Action (CASA) activities.
The webinars are open to everyone – also beyond our University community – and aim to show how built environment professionals can play a meaningful role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
For this CASA series, the topics have a global flavour, delving into region-specific activities in Hong Kong, Jamaica and Colombia, alongside sessions on topics such as social impact investment, plastic, the Paris Agreement, and global food and water security.
Full list of events to register for:
| Date | Session | Time | Format | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday 20 April | The UN SDGs: A blueprint for a shared future | 1pm–1.45pm | Webinar | Jordan Turner explores how the UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a global framework for tackling major sustainability challenges. |
| Tuesday 21 April | Hong Kong tallies with the SDGs, ESG and Climate Action Plan 2050 | 9.30am–10.15am | Webinar | Helen Lung examines how Hong Kong’s sustainability agenda aligns with global and regional priorities. |
| Make a difference where it matters most – become a school governor | 2pm–2.45pm | Webinar | An introductory session outlining what the role involves and how to get involved. | |
| Wednesday 22 April | Sustainability Scavenger Hunt (staff only) | 11.30am–2.30pm | In person / remote | An interactive challenge hosted by Sustainability Champions around Horizons. |
| Rebuilding resilient communities after Hurricane Melissa | 2pm–3pm | Webinar | Faith Gordon explores community-led regeneration approaches in hurricane-affected Jamaican communities. | |
| Thursday 23 April | What we want over here, matters over there: the hidden systems that sustain the unsustainable | 12.30pm–1.30pm | Webinar | This session explores how everyday choices connect to complex global systems. Content warning: includes discussion of illegal activity, violence and impacts on vulnerable communities. Recommended pre-reading available. |
| Friday 24 April | Getting to grips with plastic in the built environment (current students and staff only) | 10am–11am | Webinar | An overview of responsible plastics use and key policy developments. |
| Money with meaning: Creating sustainable communities | 1pm–1.45pm | Webinar | Charlotte Morphet and Pete Gladwell explore how social investment can support sustainable place-making. | |
| Monday 27 April | The perils of the Paris Agreement | 1pm–1.45pm | Webinar | An academic conversation examining key tensions and opportunities within the Paris Agreement. |
| Tuesday 28 April | Driving inclusive climate action: Inside the Global Covenant of Mayors | 12pm–12.45pm | Webinar | Exploring the world’s largest alliance of cities committed to climate leadership. |
| Wednesday 29 April | Volunteering Day inspiration (staff only) | 11am–11.30am | All-staff briefing | Colleagues share volunteering stories to inspire participation. |
| From global dialogue to local impact: World Urban Forum | 1pm–1.45pm | Webinar | Professor Samer Bagaeen reflects on insights from the World Urban Forum. | |
| Thursday 30 April | Pre-loved book sale (staff only) | 10am–1pm | In person | Browse for bargain books while supporting local charity No.5. |
| What’s for dinner? | 10.30am–11.30am | Webinar | Dr James Ritson explores the global challenge of food security. | |
| Why technology alone does not improve quality of life: Lessons from smart public transport | 3pm–3.45pm | Webinar | Shadab Bahreini shares insights on transport, governance and passenger experience. | |
| Friday 1 May | Introduction to Modern Slavery (students and staff only) | 9.30am–10.30am | Webinar | An introduction to modern slavery trends and challenges globally. |
| We need to talk about context | 1pm–1.45pm | Webinar | Dominic O’Dea explores architecture shaped by human need and place through a developing leprosy clinic project. |
Get involved with Zooniverse
Alongside the live programme, the University community is being encouraged to take part in Zooniverse, the world’s largest people-powered research platform.
From climate science and ecology to history and space exploration, participants can contribute to real research projects in just a few minutes — building volunteering into everyday routines while helping researchers make new discoveries.
A dedicated University group has been created so students and staff can collaborate, track their collective impact and explore projects together.
Organiser Jessica Gordon-Calvert said:
“I am very excited to bring our university community the second round of Climate and Social Action (CASA) activities for this academic year. An incredible amount of work has gone into this series, from students, staff and representatives from the sector. I am pleased to be able to present a jam-packed programme of activities – enjoy!”
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