University of Birmingham 

University of Birmingham was founded in 1900, representing a change in the model of higher education as England’s first civic university; a place where students from all backgrounds were accepted on an equal basis. 

More than a hundred years on, the university teaches more than 37,000 students each year, with a global reach thanks to a campus in Dubai. 

University of Birmingham strives to be a leading global university and seeks to enhance sustainability in all of its activities, with a goal to enhance society and the environment positively through its research and education. This includes strong ambitions to achieve sustainability through pioneering research and innovative education, the behaviour and actions of all students and staff, and a commitment to local communities. 

In partnership with IEMA, University of Birmingham hopes to develop its national and international collaborations and draw on its broad disciplinary and interdisciplinary strengths to address the major global challenges of our time – express by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.   
Zoe Hurley, Head of Sustainability at the University of Birmingham, said: “As a research-intensive University founded on social responsibility, we have the expertise and partnerships to play a significant role in tackling global sustainability challenges.

“We are keen to extend our network and partner with IEMA to work collaboratively to address the major global challenges of our time. We are aligned in our goals to offer professional development opportunities to our people and ensure our graduates have the knowledge, skills and tools to deliver value in a global economy and ultimately lead change.”   

Health Innovation Network: 

The Health Innovation Network is a national network of 15 local organisations that bring together the NHS, industry, academia and the third sector to help drive adoption of health innovation across the NHS to improve outcomes for patients, increase workforce capacity and drive economic growth.   

 The Health Innovation Network’s unique role working with these key partners from across the health and care system in regional and national settings puts it in a position to support the drive for sustainability at every level. 

Recognising the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency, and drive greener healthcare practices, Health Innovation Network has chosen to partner with IEMA to strengthen its commitment to sustainability leadership. 

The partnership will enable health innovation networks across England to connect with like-minded professionals, share best practices, and contribute to the advancement of environmental sustainability in healthcare. This collaborative approach will support the sector in achieving its Net Zero goals, promote responsible innovation, and build a resilient, sustainable healthcare system for future generations.   

Hannah Gibson, Project Manager, Environmental Sustainability and Net Zero Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, said: “Sustainability is a key theme for the Health Innovation Network, and we recognise new healthcare technologies and ways of working should have a positive impact on productivity and the environment as well as patients.  

“This new Corporate Partnership with IEMA will help us to upskill our staff to ensure that sustainability is considered at every possible opportunity and will also strengthen our voice advocating for greater sustainability in the healthcare sector.”  

IEMA’s Corporate Partnerships allow businesses and individuals to connect and collaborate, to learn vital green skills and embed sustainability in day-to-day operations. 

Martin Baxter, IEMA Deputy CEO, said: “Healthcare and higher education have crucial roles to play in the UK’s Net Zero agenda, and our newest Corporate Partners demonstrate just how engaged they are in cross-sector collaboration, upskilling their workforces, and leading the way in sustainability.  

“Both Health Innovation Network and the University of Birmingham have an incredible commitment to sustainability, and we look forward to working with them to upskill their workforces, educate the next generation, and ultimately continue on this journey which is so crucial to the UK’s economy and environmental wellbeing.”