Podcast
How are students driving cultural change towards sustainability in art and design education?
Hosted by Robert Hopkins
In our latest podcast episode, we explore how Cardiff School of Art and Design is rethinking art and design education by embedding sustainability into its curriculum to help shape future-ready graduates.
Director Robert Hopkins, recently completed a three-year tenure as a Visiting Professor at Cardiff Metropolitan University. During this time, he worked on several tangible projects that successfully bridged academic learning with real-world application.
As part of this appointment, Robert worked closely with Martyn Woodward, Deputy Dean at Cardiff School of Arts and Design - a faculty of the university - to shape the innovative Engineering Future Generations program at Cardiff School of Arts and Design. Join them as they discuss how interdisciplinary collaboration and carbon literacy are shaping the next generation of architects and designers.
Discover how this initiative goes beyond ticking boxes, aiming for cultural and behavioural shifts across all disciplines and challenging students to adopt a mindset of innovation and responsibility. Learn how the programme is influencing curriculum changes and aligning with Wales’ Future Generations Act.
Through compelling narratives, they discuss the fascinating real-world projects emerging, connecting theoretical knowledge with practical applications. From architecture to textiles, students are reimagining their fields with sustainable practices embedded throughout.
Hear the full conversation below to understand how this educational revolution is inspiring a greener tomorrow.
A note on abbreviations used in the episode:
SDG - UN Sustainable Development Goals
Download the full transcript here.
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Frequently asked questions
It is an initiative at Cardiff School of Art and Design that embeds carbon literacy and sustainable mindsets into all design disciplines to prepare students for real-world environmental challenges.
The programme adopts the Act’s principles by encouraging students to consider the long-term societal and environmental consequences of their design decisions.
Students have created innovative, low-impact projects such as a natural dye garden, a sustainable photography darkroom and a locally sourced pigment library.
Yes, the initiative has become a permanent part of the school’s identity, with its research communities and projects continuing to grow and secure funding.
You can explore our sustainability page on our website to see how we integrate net zero design to shape resilient places.
Posted on:
Jul 8th 2026
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