Sustainability expert joins fight against climate change across district
An expert in sustainability from the University of Huddersfield has joined Kirklees Climate Commission (KCC) in its bid to tackle climate change across the district.
Dr Jialin (Snow) Wu, a Reader in Sustainable and Digitalised Service Economy at the University’s Huddersfield Business School, is also Director of its Centre for Sustainability, Responsibility, Governance and Ethics (SURGE).
She has been appointed as a Commissioner, hoping to bring her extensive research background in sustainability-related fields such as pro-environmental, behavioural changes, environmental education and sustainability communication strategy to bear.
Led by Kirklees Council with the University a key stakeholder, the Commission was set up in 2021, and Professor John Allport, an expert in Turbocharger Engineering within the School of Computer and Engineering, was selected to be among its first commissioners.
Its aim is to create a sustainable future for Kirklees by communicating the critical climate challenges faced, providing trusted advice and services for climate mitigation, and actively engaging in projects that bridge the gap to net zero.
The Commission itself has been located at Huddersfield Business School from 2023 onwards after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the two organisations.
Dr Wu is one of seven new commissioners, alongside the existing 15, making a total of 22 specialists.
She has already supported KCC over the past year by hosting workshops, leading a social media team and generating content for Kirklees Climate Television (KCTV), a collaboration between Kirklees Local TV and the Climate Commission.
During 2024 Dr Wu was involved in KCTV programming on such themes as raising awareness of the impact of climate change on Kirklees; understanding carbon footprint and ecological footprint; sustainable transport in the district; climate education in local schools; and nudging behavioural changes towards climate resilience.
Dr Wu commented: “My academic background and current roles have equipped me with in-depth knowledge of sustainability, responsibility, ethics and governance. For instance, my existing research on sustainability nudging strategies provided detailed guidance on decarbonising various sectors and encouraging more pro-environmental behavioural changes, which involved a comprehensive understanding of economic, environmental and social aspects. This knowledge can be directly applied to the work of the KCC, helping to formulate well-informed policies and strategies related to climate change mitigation and adaptation.”
Tony Newham, of Kirklees Climate Commission, commented: “The Chair of the Commission, Professor Peter Roberts, and I are delighted that Dr Wu has been able to join us and bring her valuable knowledge and insights to support the Commission in its work to help tackle the climate crisis and its impacts on a local level. The strengths and capabilities that the University of Huddersfield, and particular Dr Wu have to offer are of tremendous importance to the Commission and we know that her efforts will further extend and consolidate on the early work and projects that the Commission has undertaken to date.”
Sustainability at the University of Huddersfield
This latest appointment builds on the University’s long-standing dedication to sustainability and environmental improvement.
In early 2020 a Climate Emergency Steering Group was established at the University, collaborating to produce the Carbon Neutral Strategy: A Ten Point Plan for the Planet.
The plan reflects the University’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality across all areas of the institution. As part of this plan, the University set out to achieve net zero carbon emissions in two areas by 2030, and the final area by 2045.