Talks | Transition Edinburgh University

Breathtaking Images at the Fringe: Hard Rain by Mark Edwards

written by Ric Lander on June 14, 2010

A breathtaking photo exhibition is coming to Edinburgh and you can hear from the man who created it.

Hard Rain exhibition on display 22 August – 25 September, behind Dugald Stewart Building then at George Square.

Hard Rain fringe show 25 August, 4pm Hugh Robson Building Venue number #224.

Handprint Social: Food for the Future

written by Rosie Sullivan on April 20, 2010

Thursday 29th April:

FOOD of the FUTURE

In a changing climate and with cheap oil running out, why are our diet choices important? Last Thursday in the Curle Room, Kings Buildings House, a room full of people got to grips with the impacts our food habits have on the future of food and more importantly what we can do to about it!

Food, as with any consumption, contributes to our carbon emissions. The way it is produced, packaged, transported, and even cooked, all make a difference, and, given that most of us eat three times a day, it’s worth thinking about what we can do about it. So we asked our speakers: What does sustainable food taste like? What should we be eating? Where should we be getting it from?

Transition Edinburgh University’s Ric Lander was first up relating how food fits into the university’s carbon footprint, (making up no less than a whopping 15%). Peter Smith (Msc Carbon Management) linked carbon emissions to the cycle of food from field to landfill. Rob Kyle (Abundance Edinburgh) motivated us to get involved in edible projects going on right here, right now in Edinburgh (see links below) and Donald Reid (Slow food Edinburgh) spoke to us about the wonders of slow, real food and sourcing local food through the prospective Forth Diet Project.

A huge thank you to all the speakers and all who came, it was a truly inspiring event.

It’s an exciting time to get involved in food. Here at TEU many plans and ideas are afoot for a programme of workshops and educational events, but we want more… we want to hear from you! If you are interested in getting involved with TEU food in any way, shape or form email Abby at abby@teu.org.uk. And see here for our next tasty gathering.

Finger licking good links:

Foraging map of Edinburgh: http://forage.rs/

Abundance Edinburgh: http://www.abundanceedinburgh.com/

Edinburgh Permaculture: http://permacultureedinburgh.ning.com/

Slow Food Edinburgh: http://www.slowfoodedinburgh.co.uk/

The Green Fork: http://greenfork.org.uk/

Transition Handprint Social: Keeping Our Homes Warm in a Low CO2 World

written by Ric Lander on March 5, 2010

Right now, pollution is changing our climate and cheap oil is running out. How can we warm our buildings without warming the climate?

Thought provoking bite-size presentations including Dr. Claire Haggett, Councillor Maggie Chapman, and David Somervell, University Sustainability Advisor. Followed by drinks and sandwiches.

Wednesday 17th March, 5.45-7.30pm (later than previously billed). McEwan Hall Reception Room (Entrance in Medical College Quad, map: http://www.ed.ac.uk/maps/buildings/medical-school).

Edinburgh’s Big Green Makeover – Sion Lanini, Transition Edinburgh University. Volunteer run project reducing energy usage in student flats. Transition Edinburgh University.
Warm Scotland – Councillor Maggie Chapman. The Warm Scotland campaign and what the Government could do to improve energy efficiency nation-wide.
Big Switch @ Pollock – Ben Miller, Transition Edinburgh University. Inter-house energy competition run in University residences with Accommodation Services. Transition Edinburgh University.
Making Micro-generation Effective - Dr. Claire Haggett. What effect does installing micro-generation in homes have on resident’s energy consumption?
Energy Performance Certificates – Sion Lanini, Transition Edinburgh University. What EPC legislation means for Edinburgh residents. Transition Edinburgh University.
Combined Heat and Power at Edinburgh University – David Somervell, University Sustainability Advisor. George Square, Pollock Halls, and Kings Buildings are powered by Edinburgh University’s own power plants.

Contact Ric Lander at ric@transitionedinburghuni.org.uk or 0131 65 040 65.

Hopenhagen or Brokenhagen? Student Witnesses to the UN Climate Talks

written by Joseph Farthing on February 8, 2010

What really happened in Copenhagen in December? Hear from Edinburgh University students who were inside the conference and discuss the state of global action on climate change and what we can do to create positive change.