‘The Eco 5’
Their Mission
The Eco 5 are a group of 5 Living Bankside Academy students. Who are passionate about climate change and have a 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.
Over the Summer of 2023, they visited over 15+ companies and organisations and benefitted from engaging workshops, inspiring talks and unique activities which provided them with insights into the world of sustainability.
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.
Click here to find out more about how : {HYPERLINK TO LEGACY PROJECTS PAGE}
Short Film
As well as furthering their knowledge of environmental issues and sustainability, the Eco 5 were also tasked with creating a short film to promote the project they were tasked with developing.
Check out the short film they have created whilst on the Our Futures Programme.
This helped the Eco 5 develop crucial skills such as filming, video editing and storyboarding.
Journey Video
The Eco 5 also developed their video editing skills further by creating a journey video to showcase their time during the programme.
Check out this journey video they have created whilst on the Our Futures programme.
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 invaluable insights into creating engaging digital content, receiving a step-by-step guide to producing captivating videos.
This practical knowledge proved instrumental 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.
Wiser demonstrated that innovation thrives in an atmosphere of support and collaboration.
Landsec
Landsec provided the Eco 5 with a deep dive into the strategic pillars of achieving environmental sustainability within property development.
The group explored innovative approaches to tackling climate change, prompting critical thinking about real-world solutions.
Discussions ranged from responsible material sourcing and the repurposing of existing structures to harnessing nature for sustainable design.
They learned how Landsec integrates ecological principles into large-scale urban planning, fostering a holistic view of sustainable development.
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 vibrant communities.
They learned the crucial role of collaboration and inclusive voices in successful, community-focused projects.
Fabrix emphasized that true growth stems from collective effort and shared vision.
This experience reshaped their understanding of the built environment, highlighting its potential for positive social and environmental impact.
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 underscored the significant environmental benefits of extending product lifecycles and embracing circular economy principles.
As an exciting highlight, the group participated in an engaging quiz, with the thrilling prize of a refurbished iPhone 12.
GiffGaff exemplified how conscious practices can transform an industry often associated with rapid consumption.
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, realizing 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 underscored the crucial role of efficient recycling in conserving resources and reducing landfill waste.
Veolia provided a vivid demonstration of how responsible waste management contributes to a healthier planet.
Mindshare
Mindshare introduced the Eco 5 to the influential world of advertising, showcasing how media can be powerfully 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 industry giants LadBible and Meta, offering invaluable insights into the digital media landscape.
The session illuminated how media planning can be strategically aligned with environmental awareness and sustainable messaging.
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 a wide audience.
The visit underscored the transformative potential of well-executed campaigns in driving behavioral change and raising awareness.
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.
This renewed connection to the natural world significantly boosted the group's motivation to actively address global warming.
Walworth Garden offered a serene yet impactful lesson on living in harmony with our environment.
Borough Market
The Eco 5 enjoyed a delightful experience at Borough Market, savoring its diverse and delicious offerings.
They then embarked on an insightful tour, learning about the market's operational intricacies, ethical sourcing practices and crucial efforts to minimize food waste.
This visit provided a unique and eye-opening perspective on the journey of food, from producer to consumer.
This experience left the group with a unique perspective to the world of food that they have been oblivious to.
Borough Market showcased how vibrant commerce can coexist with strong environmental principles.
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 harmonize with natural surroundings.
TP Bennett demonstrated how thoughtful design can significantly reduce environmental impact and create more resilient spaces.
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.
This unique experience highlighted the importance of preserving historical legacies while embracing sustainable practices for the future.
Shakespeare's Globe offered a compelling narrative of continuous adaptation and enduring relevance.
Hilton Bankside
At Hilton Bankside, the Eco 5 gained valuable insights into the hospitality industry's commitment to both exceptional customer service and environmental responsibility.
They learned about the vital importance of kindness, respect and genuine care in client interactions.
The group was particularly inspired by Hilton Bankside's proactive efforts to align with the Mayor of London’s ambitious sustainability goals.
This visit showcased how large organizations can integrate eco-friendly practices into their daily operations, from waste reduction to energy efficiency.
Hilton Bankside demonstrated that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Grey
The Eco 5 gained valuable 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.
This visit offered a compelling glimpse into the power of creative communication for social good.
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.
Kings College London proved to be an invaluable resource in guiding their academic and career aspirations.
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.
The US Embassy demonstrated the interconnectedness of international cooperation and environmental progress.
Celebration Event
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 film they created to highlight the theme of environmental sustainability and promote their project.