Businesses unite to stage sustainability showcase for pupils at Eco Conference 2026
Primary school pupils from across Hull unleashed their creativity during a celebration of sustainability at Eco Conference 2026.
Hosted by the Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University, in partnership with Oh Yes!, the Eco Conference saw pupils take part in a range of eco-inspired games and activities at Hull City Hall.
Sessions were delivered by some of the region’s leading businesses and organisations, with activities themed around the work they do every day.
Organisations taking part included Oh Yes! Founding Partners Reckitt and Hull City Council, alongside member Becker UK.
The inaugural Eco Conference took place on June 29th, and was designed to inspire the next generation of climate changemakers – the leaders who will play their part in a drive to a healthier, more sustainable world.
Hull-based builder’s merchant MKM was one of the exhibitors at Eco Conference 2026.
Sarah Brodie, HEY Children’s University’s Head of Development, said: “As adults, we understand that our climate is changing, and the impacts that is having right across the world.
“We have a responsibility to make sure that our children and young people share that understanding, and feel confident and empowered about the difference they can make.
“Events like this, our inaugural Eco Conference, are the best way to engage with young people on issues around climate change and sustainability. The activities delivered by businesses have been designed to demonstrate that in really interactive way.
“Thank you to all of the organisations which have supported the Eco Conference, and to the schools and pupils who attended. We hope you all left feeling truly inspired!”
All of the students at the Eco Conference had already taken part in the Children’s University EcoHub.
Supported by the Oh Yes! Climate Changemakers programme, pupils have visited the University of Hull’s Botanical Gardens in Cottingham to explore its two acres of woodland and wild spaces.
The Eco Conference saw pupils take part in a range of eco-inspired games and activities at Hull City Hall.
Students have learnt about the importance of biodiversity and protecting our habitats and the species which call them home.
The Eco Conference was an opportunity to apply that learning with hands-on, interactive activities and games.
Those activities included an interactive puzzle mat, delivered by Evoke Technologies, and building a miniature sustainable vehicle with Northern Gas Networks. Pupils also made their own bird feeders with the RSPCA, and built a city from recycled materials with Hull City Council’s Waste Management Team.
Lucy Brewer, a Recycling Officer at Hull City Council, exhibited at the Eco Conference, and said: “Today has been all about re-use, reduce and recycle.
“In the week running up to the Eco Conference, members of our team have been collecting recycled materials, and pupils have today been using that items to make their own miniature city.
“We’ve been showing the pupils how much waste we produce globally, how we can mitigate that, and how we can recycle and re-use. It’s been a brilliant day, and the students we’ve engaged with have been so passionate and enthusiastic.”
The inaugural Eco Conference took place on June 29th, and was designed to inspire the next generation of climate changemakers.
The schools taking part in Eco Conference 2026 were Adelaide Primary School, Broadacre Primary School, Bude Primary School, Cleeve Primary School, Oldfleet Primary School, Paisley Primary School, Sidmouth Primary School and Stepney Primary School.
They were welcomed by the HEY Children’s University alongside Becker UK, Evoke Technologies, Friends of the Earth, GGP Consult, Hull City Council, MKM, Northern Gas Networks, Reckitt and the RSPCA.
Rachel Peyman is an R&D Senior Associate at Reckitt, and said: “We’ve been speaking to pupils about key sustainability topics like food waste, transport, water and energy.
“We’ve asked pupils to make a pledge on something they will do to become more sustainable, and we hope they’ll take those ideas back to their families and homes to inspire them too.
“Our message today has been about spreading the word. All of our team have a passion for sustainability, and days like this help us share that passion with young people who, we hope, will one day be in our roles.”
The Eco Conference also saw pupils present ideas and the progress they’re already making across their school sites to become more sustainable and support the local environment.
Oh Yes! Founding Partner Reckitt at Eco Conference 2026.