OUR PROGRAMME
Scroll to read about the webinars, personal project and residential.
Apply by 30th November 2024 to start in February 2025.
Four evenings across eight weeks, to deep dive on big issues and careers.
Research energy issues in your local area, then work in a group on Residential to explore solutions.
Five days in-person to complete the programme. Discover your strengths and make friends for life.
WEBINARS
The next webinars will run from 6PM to 8PM on 12th & 26th February and 12th & 26th March 2025. Attendance is compulsory for students and is a pre-requisite for attending Residential.
To tackle climate change, the UK needs to rapidly stop using fossil fuels and use low-carbon energy sources instead. The BGF webinar series discusses how the UK stacks up right now, what an ambitious future looks like, and what it will take to get there. Most importantly, we will focus on how our energy use impacts society - and the opportunities we have to make sure the future is more equal and fair for everyone.
You'll also hear talks from professionals working in jobs with impact. Their experiences show the variety of pathways and careers out there that can steer the UK towards renewable energy and climate justice.
Webinar 1
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Solve energy, solve climate: why climate action starts with ending fossil fuels
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 101
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What is "net zero" and why does it matter?
Webinar 2
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Technology and carbon footprints: How we make and use energy in the UK
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How do energy companies make profits?
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Can energy production be democratic?
Webinar 3
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Is it possible to run a country on 100% renewable energy?
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What does the future look like?
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Local project: How does your community consume or make energy?
Webinar 4
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What jobs will there be in a net zero future?
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How does social justice relate to energy?
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How can we make sure a net zero world is fair?
"The most interesting part was hearing so many different approaches to sustainability. The variety of opinions from people of different backgrounds made it refreshing and productive."
LOCAL PROJECT
"The project gave me a chance to make friends outside of school who were interested in likeminded things and do something we were passionate about."
The project is where you apply your learning to a real, concrete example: your local area and community. Research:
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The carbon footprint of your area
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Attitudes towards renewable energy, transport, food, housing and more
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Impacts on different groups in your community
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Potential solutions!
Bring your research to Residential and work in a group with other students to create a regional solution. The project helps you grow the critical thinking and collaboration skills which are essential for any career working towards a fair, low carbon future.
RESIDENTIAL
Residential is jam-packed with workshops about energy, climate change, how the UK can transition to a low-carbon world, and how you can use your strengths to make an impact. You'll get to meet the other students who share your interests, the BGF staff and the alumni mentor team. Residential includes:
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Reflecting on your values and strengths, and exploring how you can relate them to your education or career choices
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Learning about climate justice and intersectionality from speakers, like Olivia Sweeney, Black and Green Ambassador for Bristol
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Exploring the surrounding countryside and practising tools for personal resilience
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Hands on action with canoeing, zip wiring and toasting marshmallows at the fireside
Location and dates:
Our next residential runs Sunday 13th April to Thursday 17th April 2025. If you are applying to join us in February 2025, you need to be available on these dates.
BGF Residential will take place at Condover Hall. It is a compulsory part of the programme so you must be able to join us on those dates. It's this way because we want to you have the best experience, and Residential is where you get to meet everyone and start projects.
All the travel, accommodation and food costs for this are free. Find out more about how we make this happen here.
All physical activities on Residential are optional, and we'll always have another activity you can take part in. If you have any specific needs for Residential that aren't addressed here or in the FAQs, please get in touch with bgf@cse.org.uk and we'll be happy to help.
