A team at London South Bank University (LSBU), with support from the UPP Foundation, have created the UK’s first student-led Energy Advice Centre (EAC), combining civic action with sustainability. Providing bespoke advice to householders and small businesses on how to reduce their energy bills, it is an example of how to provide both work-ready skills for students as well as helping universities’ local communities.
Service learning is an approach to teaching and learning that integrates community service with academic studies, helping to deepen students’ learning, teach civic responsibilities and strengthen local communities.
On Wednesday 4 June 2025 from 1pm to 2pm, HEPI is hosting a webinar on the Energy Advice Centre, to consider both the importance and impact of service-learning programmes and how civic action can enhance the student experience and support local communities. The webinar follows the launch of a toolkit from LSBU and the UPP Foundation, which offers practical guidance on how other universities can establish similar initiatives, and explores examples from other institutions.
Panel of speakers to include:
- Richard Brabner, Executive Chair, UPP Foundation
- Kristina Kerwin, Director of the EAU at London South Bank University (LSBU) and an LSBU PhD student
- Professor Lynne Bianchi, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility, University of Manchester
- Chaired by Nick Hillman, HEPI Director
Register your place here