On Friday 15 May 2026, St Edmund Hall hosted the seventh event in the Suman Conversations in Environmental Sustainability series, featuring an expert panel discussing the question: “Greener Games: What does true sustainability in sports look like?”
Chaired by the Principal of St Edmund Hall and Oxford Professor of Biodiversity, Profess/discover/cesor Baroness (Kathy) Willis, the seminar brought together specialists who highlighted the impact of supply chains, carbon footprints, and the responsibility of sports organisations to address climate and waste issues. The speakers also emphasised the role of sport as a platform for influence and change, with examples showing how to balance the adoption of sustainability practices whilst maintaining sport participation and growth.
The panel of expert speakers included Professor Joseph W. Bull, Associate Professor in Climate Change Biology, Oxford University; Fellow of Wadham College; Caroline Carlin, Member Engagement Manager, BASIS - The British Association for Sustainable Sport; Tom Yearley, Head of Energy & Environment, AELTC – All England Lawn Tennis Club (The Championships, Wimbledon; Rachel Dulai, Special Projects Lead, British Rowing
The “Suman Conversations in Environmental Sustainability: beyond greenwashing” series presents a termly seminar which brings together leading thinkers and decision-makers from across academia, business, government and NGOs to look beyond greenwashing. Each term, a panel examines a specific issue related to environmental sustainability, exploring how to effectively marry environmental, social and governance goals with financial returns, innovation and other business imperatives.
