‘Eco 5’
Their Mission
The Eco 5 are a group of 5 students from Living Bankside Academy. Each student is passionate about climate change and has burning desire to find a solution to the global issue.
Ranging from the ages of 16 to 19 and living in London, they are part of the generation which is likely to be largely impacted by climate change if nothing is done about it.
So, the Eco 5 made it their mission to take action upon themselves and figure out solutions to minimise carbon footprints and raise awareness regarding global warming in hopes of achieving the sustainability that the world needs.
Through visiting many companies and workshop which prioritise sustainability, the Eco 5 have learnt everything they need to know when it comes to tackling climate change and eliminating its lingering effects which are harming our planet.
Short Film
As well as furthering their knowledge of environmental issues, the Innovators were also tasked to create a short film about it.
This helped them improve crucial skills such as video editing that are very commonly needed in the professional world. This also allowed them to strengthen their teamwork and work better as a group
The Eco 5’s Journey
Workshops within the 2023 ‘Our Futures’ programme
Wiser
The Eco 5 discovered a refreshingly warm and encouraging working environment at Wiser, challenging traditional notions of the workplace.
They gained insights into creating engaging digital content, receiving a guide to producing captivating videos.
This knowledge came in handy in their own film and journey video projects throughout the programme.
The visit truly highlighted how a positive company culture can foster creativity and practical skills
Landsec
Landsec provided the Eco 5 with a deep dive into the strategic pillars of achieving environmental sustainability within property development.
They explored some approaches to tackling climate change, prompting critical thinking about solutions.
Discussions ranged from responsible material sourcing and the repurposing of existing structures to harnessing nature for sustainable design.
This immersive experience showcased the multifaceted efforts required to build a greener future.
Fabrix
Fabrix opened the Eco 5's eyes to the dynamic world of sustainable construction, revealing the intricate stages of urban development.
The students gained a unique perspective, understanding that building is not merely about structures, but about fostering communities.
They learned the crucial role of collaboration and inclusive voices in successful, community-focused projects.
This experience emphasised that true growth stems from collective effort and shared vision.
GiffGaff
At GiffGaff, the Eco 5 delved into the surprising realm of sustainability within the telecommunications industry.
They were particularly fascinated by the meticulous process of refurbishing mobile phones, understanding its critical role in reducing electronic waste.
The visit underlined the significant environmental benefits of extending product life cycles and embracing circular economic principles.
As an exciting highlight, the group participated in an engaging quiz, with the thrilling prize of a refurbished iPhone 12.
Veolia
The Eco 5 gained a powerful, first-hand understanding of waste management by visiting a Veolia recycling centre.
They witnessed the intricate journey of everyday items, from collection to sorting and processing, realising the true scale of recycling operations.
This immersive experience brought home the profound impact that seemingly small individual actions, like proper waste separation, can have on environmental sustainability.
The visit highlighted the role of efficient recycling in conserving resources and reducing landfill waste.
Mindshare
Mindshare introduced the Eco 5 to the influential world of advertising, showcasing how media can be leveraged for product promotion and social impact.
The students explored diverse creative strategies for developing impactful campaigns, understanding the art of persuasive communication.
A unique highlight was the opportunity to meet representatives from LadBible and Meta, offering invaluable insights into the digital media landscape.
Mindshare demonstrated the immense potential of advertising as a force for positive change.
Hubbub
Hubbub empowered the Eco 5 with essential skills in public engagement and impactful campaigning for environmental causes.
They learned the art of crafting powerful messages and effectively disseminating them to reach wider audiences.
Hubbub provided practical strategies for inspiring action and ensuring their voices were heard on critical sustainability issues.
This session was instrumental in equipping the Eco 5 to become effective advocates for a greener future.
Walworth Garden
The Eco 5 experienced the profound beauty and ecological significance of nature during their visit to Walworth Garden.
They gained a deeper appreciation for the vital role of green spaces in urban environments and understood how they contribute to sustainable ecosystems.
The visit served as a powerful reminder of nature's intrinsic value and its capacity to foster well-being.
With their newfound appreciation for the natural world, the group’s motivation to tackle global warming was boosted.
Borough Market
The Eco 5 enjoyed a delightful experience at Borough Market, savouring its diverse and delicious offerings.
They then embarked on an insightful tour, learning about the market's operational intricacies and crucial efforts to minimise food waste.
The students gained a profound understanding of sustainable food systems and the importance of responsible consumption.
This experience left the group with a unique perspective to the world of food that they have been oblivious to.
TP Bennett
TP Bennett challenged the Eco 5 to reimagine design through a sustainability lens, introducing them to the core elements of environmentally conscious architecture.
The students were encouraged to think creatively and critically about integrating sustainable features into various design projects.
They explored innovative materials, energy-efficient solutions, and designs that harmonise with natural surroundings.
This visit inspired the Eco 5 to consider a future where aesthetics and sustainability are inextricably linked.
Shakespeare’s Globe
The Eco 5 immersed themselves in a rich piece of London's cultural heritage during their visit to Shakespeare's Globe.
They gained a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of history, present actions, and future planning.
The students were fascinated by the evolution of the iconic Globe Theatre and the surrounding Bankside area, understanding how the past informs contemporary development.
Shakespeare's Globe offered a compelling narrative of continuous adaptation and enduring relevance.
Hilton Bankside
At Hilton Bankside, the Eco 5 gained insights into the hospitality industry's commitment to both exceptional customer service and environmental responsibility.
They learned about the importance of kindness, respect, and genuine care in client interactions.
The group was particularly inspired by Hilton Bankside's efforts to align with the Mayor of London’s ambitious sustainability goals.
This visit showcased how large organisations can integrate eco-friendly practices into their daily operations.
Grey
The Eco 5 gained insights into the creative process at Grey, understanding how sustainability is intricately woven into the fabric of the advertising industry.
The students embraced the company's core values of creativity, unity, and empathy, seeing them in action during campaign development.
They explored the elements that contribute to a high-quality, impactful advertisement that resonates with audiences.
Grey demonstrated how innovative thinking can be leveraged to promote sustainable messaging and responsible consumer choices.
Kings College London
Kings College London provided the Eco 5 with an incredibly valuable session focused on preparing for their professional futures.
The students received tailored assistance with crafting compelling personal statements, a crucial step for university applications and career pathways.
They also gained key advice on making a strong first impression and navigating the professional world effectively.
This forward-looking session equipped the Eco 5 with essential tools and confidence for their next steps.
US Embassy
The Eco 5 gained a fascinating perspective on international relations and global environmental policy during their visit to the US Embassy.
They learned about the significant role diplomacy plays in addressing the complex challenges of the sustainability agenda.
The visit provided insights into how the climate crisis is being tackled on a global scale, specifically from an American standpoint.
The group also enjoyed a comprehensive tour of the embassy, enriching their understanding of American history, art, and culture.
At the final event, The Eco 5 presented key learnings and insights gathered from various company workshops attended throughout the programme. They also showcased the short promotional film they created to highlight and promote the theme of environmental sustainability.