Two Keele University students have joined the New Vic Theatre to help the venue as it embarks on a series of environmental improvements to help reduce its energy usage and carbon footprint.

Through the University’s Flourish programme, the theatre-in-the-round, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has welcomed students Brandie Boit as Environmental Programme Evaluator and Kunkuru Meritei as Sustainability Researcher.

Each of them will now take on separate fully funded 100-hour projects for the theatre linked to its environmental improvements, alongside their Master of Science degrees in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology, and Computing Science respectively.

Brandie will evaluate and report on different elements of the environmental programme, actively comparing the improvements made against existing energy consumption. These findings will be used to report back to Arts Council England and inform how the theatre monitors data going forward.

Kunkuru will work with industry professionals to research and recommend options for the installation of both Solar PV and EV charging points, including projected costs, savings and procurement.

Brandie said: "Being involved in the New Vic's sustainability improvements through the Flourish Project is an exciting opportunity for me. As someone deeply passionate about environmental sustainability, I’m thrilled to contribute to a project that will make a tangible difference in reducing energy consumption and promoting eco-friendly practices.

"What I look forward to most is the opportunity to evaluate and report on these improvements, helping the New Vic team understand the impact of their initiatives and how to continue monitoring and enhancing their sustainability efforts in the future.

"It's rewarding to be part of a project that aligns so closely with my academic and career goals, and I’m eager to see the positive outcomes this work will bring to both the theatre and the wider community."

Keele University’s Flourish programme is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, through Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. SMEs, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations in Newcastle-under-Lyme are able to benefit from Keele's student and graduate talent through the initiative, with students or recent graduates working with eligible businesses for up to 100 hours per project.

The New Vic recently underwent a Green Solutions Energy Review through the Staffordshire Business and Environment Network (Sben) which recommended improvements to the building including the replacement of window glazing, doors, boilers and pumps; as well as installation of motion sensor lighting and smart room temperature controls.

It is estimated that through this scheme, the theatre could save 360,000 kwh per year and reduce its carbon footprint by 68 tonnes.

New Vic Theatre Manager David Sunnuck said: "Keele University have been a key partner in the New Vic’s own journey to become a more sustainable organisation. Through them we were made aware of the Flourish programme and were eligible to apply for two student placements with industry specific knowledge to help us get the most from our programme of environmental improvements

"We are thrilled that Brandie and Kunkuru applied, and are now joining us on that journey. We are confident they will bring with them benefits of their previous relevant experience as well as knowledge from their current studies at Keele University. It’s a really positive project that we're sure will benefit all parties involved and we look forward to working with Brandie and Kunkuru."

Any local Newcastle SME organisation/ sole trader can find out more by emailing Flourish Manager Philippa Richardson p.richardson@keele.ac.uk