On March 13th, 140 Year 9 students at Marriott School took part in an interactive sustainability workshop, designed to introduce them to the principles of sustainability, how businesses are adapting to be more environmentally responsible, and the career opportunities emerging in the green economy.
The workshop, delivered by Sustainable X and supported by Stevenage Borough Council, is part of a broader effort by the council to support businesses and the community in adopting more sustainable practices. From helping local enterprises reduce their carbon footprint to encouraging sustainable behaviours across the community, Stevenage Borough Council is committed to embedding sustainability into everyday life.
An Engaging and Practical Approach to Sustainability
The session encouraged students to think about how sustainability connects to their lives and future careers. Key topics covered included:
- What sustainability means – Exploring environmental, social, and economic sustainability and why it matters.
- Sustainable businesses – How organisations are cutting emissions, improving ethical practices, and innovating for a greener future.
- Green careers – The growing demand for sustainability skills across all industries and the job opportunities emerging in the green economy.
- How individuals can make a difference – The power of small actions, informed decision-making, and advocacy in driving positive change.
The workshop was highly interactive, featuring real-world case studies, group discussions, and practical activities to help students see sustainability in action.
A council spokesperson emphasised the importance of understanding sustainability and engaging young people to become ambassadors of the future when it comes to combatting climate change together: “We are working hard towards achieving our corporate net zero target by 2030. Collectively, everyone has a wider part to play and even the smallest behaviour changes can make a big difference. Sustainability is central to how we support both businesses and our local community and by helping students understand its relevance in their lives and future careers, we are ensuring that the next generation is prepared to play an active role in shaping a greener Stevenage. This workshop is a fantastic way to spark their interest and empower them to make informed choices.”
Inspiring Future Sustainability Leaders
Marriott School praised the session for making sustainability accessible, practical, and inspiring. Mrs Barker, the STEM lead commented:
“The workshop gave our students a real insight into sustainability beyond the classroom. They could see how it links to business, careers, and everyday life, which made the topic much more relatable. It was fantastic to see them so engaged and thinking about how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Sustainable X, which specialises in helping businesses embed sustainability into their operations, sees education as a key part of its mission. Rondi Allan stated:
“For sustainability to be truly impactful, it needs to be understood and embraced at all levels—including by the next generation. We are passionate about leaving a legacy of excitement and enthusiasm for sustainability, helping young people see that they have a real role to play in driving positive change.”
A Commitment to Sustainability Education
This workshop is just one example of how Stevenage Borough Council is working to embed sustainability across the town, supporting both businesses and the wider community. From helping organisations transition to greener operations to engaging young people in sustainability education, the council’s sustainability programme aims to create a greener, more resilient Stevenage for the future.
By bringing together local authorities, schools, and sustainability experts, initiatives like this ensure that young people are not only aware of sustainability challenges but also inspired and equipped to take action—both now and in their future careers.