Celebrating Oxford’s Green Action Week

As part of the University of Oxford’s Green Action Week, the Dunn School Green Group organised a vibrant Green Festival, bringing together staff, students and external partners to celebrate sustainability in action across our department.

Inspiring Green Talks

The festival featured engaging talks from Joseph Arroway-Myatt, Georgia Tuney, Candice Conyers and Martin Smith, each highlighting practical approaches to sustainability in research environments.

Joseph Arroway-Myatt opened an important discussion on what comes next for Oxford and how to pursue sustainability ambitions while avoiding burnout. Georgia Tuney demonstrated how small everyday lab habits, such as careful management of ultra-low temperature freezers, can significantly reduce energy use. Candice Conyers shared insights into Merck’s reusable 5L ethanol stainless steel canister, showing how innovative supply solutions can cut carbon emissions. Martin Smith presented real departmental examples illustrating how laboratory cooling systems contribute to energy costs and CO₂ emissions, and where practical efficiencies can be achieved.

Clemence Levet kindly led a laboratory tour for visitors, showcasing sustainability initiatives in action within the Dunn School.

Sustainable Solutions and Industry Engagement

The event also hosted exhibitions from Thermo Fisher Scientific and Merck Group, who provided information on greener laboratory products and sustainable research solutions. These discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between researchers and suppliers in reducing the environmental footprint of scientific work.

Community Action and Collective Impact

Beyond the talks, the Green Festival fostered strong community engagement.

• The Green Group flag was raised on the Dunn School flagpole by Wayne Swan and Martin Smith.

• A plant swap was supported by plants donated from B and Q, procured by Monika Gullerova

• A clothes swap encouraged reuse within the Dunn community

• The SESI refill stations were restocked by Anne Hedegaard, enabling colleagues to refill household essentials

• Cycling leaflets were arranged by Louise Pankhurst to promote sustainable travel

• Waste Less Bio supplied reusable mugs for the café to reduce single-use waste

• Raman Dhaliwal, together with the Dunn School Café and Kerryanne Crawford, prepared delicious cakes and cookies for the charity cake sale

The event raised £120 for Oxford Mutual Aid, supporting local families with surplus food and essential goods packages.

A Collective Effort

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Saroj Saurya, Chair of the Dunn School Green Group, said:

“Green Action Week shows that sustainability is not just about large policies or targets. It is about everyday actions, shared responsibility and working together as a community to create lasting change.”

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The Dunn School Green Festival demonstrated that meaningful environmental progress comes from collaboration, practical innovation and the willingness of individuals to take small but impactful steps.

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We thank everyone who contributed to making Green Action Week 2026 such a success.