ESN
The UK Environmental Sustainability Network (ESN) bringing together technical professionals with an active interest in environmental sustainability
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What is ESN?
The UK ITSS Environmental Sustainability Network (ESN) is a growing community of technical professionals with a shared interest in sustainability.
ESN members benefit from sharing best practice, insights, networking with UK-wide professionals and training opportunities.
Who is ESN for?
Any technical professional with an active interest in environmental sustainability is welcome to join the network, regardless of level or discipline. It is open to technicians in UK universities and research institutes.
Why join ESN?
Career development and training opportunities.
Frequent research reports, case studies and insights.
Expertise and support from members through the ESN Jiscmail.
Specialist Training
Laboratory Efficiency Training for Technicians
The Laboratory Efficiency Training Programme for technicians has been developed by technical professionals who understand the sustainability challenges and opportunities in higher education and research.
Learn how to reduce the environmental footprint of wet laboratories in this one-day course. This workshop is delivered in-person upon request at host institutions in the UK.
Insights
Driving environmental sustainability: The contribution of technical professionals in higher education and research
Report showcases how technical professionals play a vital role in improving the environmental sustainability of UK higher education and research institutions. The report makes seven recommendations and features case studies from ten organisations.
Published 18 November 2025
Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice
The UK research and innovation (R&I) sector has co-developed a voluntary environmental sustainability concordat.
The concordat represents a shared ambition for the UK to continue delivering cutting-edge research, but in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable way.
Published January 2026
Founding members
The ESN network is led by an organising committee that meets every three months. Committee members help share best practice from the technical community, feeding it into policy, research and strategy so it is visible, accessible and recognised.
Lee Hibbett
Technician Manager, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham
Simon Breeden
Technician Commitment Associate Lead, University of Nottingham/ITSS
Matthew Bennett
Sustainable Research Manager, University of Cambridge
Anna Lewis
Sustainable Science Manager, University of Bristol
Deirdre Black
Head of Science and Sustainability Strategy Lead, RSC
Martin Farley
Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability, UKRI
Jenna Lowe
Laboratory Sustainability Officer, University of Liverpool
Caitlin Broadbent
Sustainable Research Officer (LEAF), UCL
Elisa Garcia-Wilson
Sustainability Officer, University of Dundee
Samantha Shaw
Sustainability Champion - Procurement/ Finance, University of Warwick
Fiona Ruge
Research Technician, School of Medicine, University of Cardiff
Rainer Fernandes
Laboratory Technician (Physics), Loughborough University
Ian Hancox
Director of Research Technology and Technical Strategy, ITSS Co-Director, University of Warwick/ITSS