New sustainability module to power Liverpool’s green events talent pipeline
Liverpool City Council is joining forces with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and A Greener Future (AGF) to launch a pioneering pilot training module designed to equip the next generation of professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver sustainable live events.
Set to begin in May, the pilot will introduce LJMU students, particularly those studying sports, media, film, and event‑related fields, to the environmental, social, and legislative dimensions of decarbonising live events.
The module forms part of Liverpool’s wider legacy programme from its role as the world’s first UN Accelerator City for Climate Action, delivered through the UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme.
The new pilot marks an important step in embedding the UN Accelerator City (UNAC) approach into Liverpool City Council’s business‑as‑usual activities.
Following Liverpool’s global leadership in the Accelerator programme, the Council is committed to ensuring that the momentum built through UNAC translates into long‑term skills development, strengthened partnerships, and real climate impact across the city.
This pilot module represents one of several legacy activities designed to ensure the city continues advancing climate leadership, particularly in sectors where Liverpool has global influence, such as live events, sports, culture, and media.
The module has been developed with A Greener Future (AGF), internationally recognised sustainability experts and creators of the world’s first sustainability standards for events. AGF has supported more than 1,000 events, festivals, venues, and cultural organisations globally.
Students will explore key themes including:
• Environmental and social impacts of live events
• Legal and policy frameworks
• Sustainable procurement
• Carbon impacts from travel, energy, food, waste, and water
• Circular systems in practice
• Behaviour change and communication
• Introduction to AGF’s sustainability assessment framework
Participants who complete the module will receive an AGF Certificate of Completion, offering a valuable industry‑recognised credential.
By piloting this module at LJMU, Liverpool aims to establish a new talent pipeline of graduates equipped with sustainability expertise that is increasingly essential across sports, media, film, and live event industries. This supports not only the city’s own climate ambitions but the wider transition to low‑carbon creative and events sectors across the UK.
Following the conclusion of the pilot, Liverpool City Council will evaluate its success with the intention of expanding the offer to other local universities and, ultimately, institutions across the country.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “This pilot module is about turning ambition into action — embedding sustainability skills into education, supporting young people into future focused careers, and ensuring our city continues to set the pace in delivering low carbon events.
“By working with Liverpool John Moores University and A Greener Future, we’re building a local talent pipeline that will help drive real climate impact across one of Liverpool’s most influential sectors.”
Teresa Moore, Director of A Greener Future, said: “A Greener Future (AGF) have been leaders in environmental assessment and sustainability for twenty years. I’m delighted to be able to share our experience and deliver our training to a pilot group of students from Liverpool John Moores University. This legacy module is a truly an innovative way to support and develop the sustainability skills of the next generation of event, media and culture professionals.”
Prof Rachel McLean, Director of School said: “This is a great example of how the School of Art and Creative Industries and LJMU work closely with Liverpool city region leaders to meet the needs and challenges of industry and society.”