Gasway Supports the 2nd Green Skills Summit 2025

Gasway was proud to support the 2nd Schools Green Skills Summit 2025, hosted by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils at the Royal Hospital School. The summit brought together around 85 students from 10 local schools, including Stour Valley Community School, Claydon High School, Ipswich High School, Finborough School, Framlingham College, Thomas Gainsborough School, Holbrook Academy, East Bergholt High School, and Debenham High School, for a day of climate debate, collaboration, and inspiration.

The event was designed as a COP-style summit, giving students the opportunity to engage in real-world climate negotiations. Students represented 16 nations, mirroring the international approach of COP30 in Brazil later this year. From the very start, the urgency of climate action was clear. Delegates from the UAE warned, “If you think migration is a problem now, wait until climate change really takes hold,” while Indonesia reminded attendees, “We are relying on you, the advanced nations of our planet.”

Students participated in simulated negotiations, working together to reach consensus on key climate themes. This interactive approach allowed them to understand the complexities of global climate discussions while learning how local and global actions are interconnected.

The summit also included a Climate Question Time, where students had the chance to quiz local councillors and industry leaders about climate change, sustainability initiatives, and green career pathways.

The students attending the day were very knowledgeable and asked some very insightful questions, challenging the experts on the panel.

Every day is a school day; we like to believe everyone learned something from the panel.

Panel members included:

• Cllr John Ward, Leader of Babergh District Council

• Cllr Andrew Mellen, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council

• Neil Fright, Carbon Numbers

• Kevin Bull, Gasway

• Ella Shuttleworth, Morgan Sindall

• Kate Dixon, Muntons

• Leanne Tipple, Taylor Woodrow

Students asked insightful and challenging questions, demonstrating not only their knowledge of climate issues but also their curiosity and commitment to creating solutions.

The day concluded with a Climate Action and Skills Fair, showcasing sustainability projects and green career pathways. Stallholders included the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Waste Team, Carbon Numbers, Denny Bros, Food Savvy, Morgan Sindall Construction, Muntons Plc, Soler & Palau Ventilation Group, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk New College, Suffolk Schools Sustainability Network, Taylor Woodrow, and University of Suffolk.

This hands-on experience allowed students to explore how careers in sustainability, renewable energy, and green business could become part of their futures, helping them connect climate learning with practical skills and local opportunities.

Gasway was proud to be one of the key sponsors of the summit, supporting the event alongside organisations such as Morgan Sindall, Carbon Numbers, Taylor Woodrow, Muntons, Denny Bros, University of Suffolk, Ecolytik, Sustainable Suffolk Schools Network, Soler & Palau Ventilation Group, and Suffolk New College.

As a company committed to sustainability, Gasway’s involvement reflects its dedication to encouraging the next generation of leaders to consider careers in green industries and to take meaningful local action to combat climate change. Kevin Bull, representing Gasway at the Climate Question Time panel, engaged with students, sharing insights into how businesses can support sustainable initiatives and why green skills will be increasingly valuable in the years ahead.

The Schools Green Skills Summit has quickly become a highlight for young residents and teachers alike. Last year, 100% of participating students reported a better understanding of how they can tackle climate change, while all teachers involved said they would recommend the event to peers.

This year’s summit built on that success, giving students a platform to develop critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership skills. By combining international-style debates with practical workshops and career advice, the summit inspires students to act locally while thinking globally.

Cllr Helen Davies, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Nature Recovery and Biodiversity at Babergh District Council, said:
"This summit is a testament to our commitment to tackling climate change in Suffolk. By giving young people the opportunity to participate in real-life climate debates, we hope to plant the seed for future green skills careers and local climate action."

Cllr Tim Weller, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Wellbeing at Mid Suffolk District Council, added:
"It is fantastic to see young people so engaged with climate issues. The summit equips them with the tools, knowledge and confidence to explore sustainable careers and make a difference in their schools and communities."

Gasway is proud to support initiatives that encourage young people to think critically about climate change, develop sustainable skills, and explore future careers in green industries. The 2nd Schools Green Skills Summit has reinforced the importance of providing engaging, hands-on experiences that connect students with the real-world challenges of climate action.

We look forward to seeing the impact of this summit on local students, as they take the lessons learned into their schools, communities, and future careers.