Reality-Style Sustainability Challenge Returns To Hull – With Traitors Star As Guest Judge

Ten University of Hull students will this week move into two shared houses for a five-day sustainability challenge that blends reality show energy with real-world climate action.

Designed to fast track their environmental awareness, leadership skills and carbon literacy, the Green Room Project will see two student teams compete in practical, creative and business focused sustainability tasks.

Run by Hull University Business School (HUBS), the Green Room Project sets daily challenges on eco-friendly living, sustainable business practice and behaviour change. Across the week, participants will work towards a recognised Carbon Literacy qualification, building the confidence and skills needed to lead on climate issues locally and globally.

Dr Fannie Yeung, Senior Lecturer in Marketing at Hull University Business School, said: “The Green Room Project demonstrates our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable innovation. Sustainability education is most powerful when students apply it in action.‍

“This dynamic, reality-style sustainability experience gives students the opportunity to translate theory into lived experience, while gaining a recognised qualification and developing the leadership skills needed to drive meaningful environmental change.”

On Wednesday 4 March, students will appear in the Fruit Market On Point Fashion Show and The Big Sustainability Debate powered by Connexin, hosted at Humber Street Gallery.

They will be joined by Jessie Stride, known for her role on The Traitors, as guest judge for both events, helping to bring wider attention to the student led initiative.

The project connects students with national and local partners including Metro Bank, Connexin, Siemens, Hull Truck Theatre and Wykeland Group. This collaboration between the University, student accommodation providers and regional businesses reflects Hull’s growing reputation as a hub for sustainability driven innovation.

As part of the programme, Siemens will host the students at its Hull facility, challenging students to apply sustainability principles in an industry setting. The week concludes at Hull Truck Theatre with an acting masterclass, supporting students to confidently present their personal sustainability pledges as they complete their Carbon Literacy training.

Richard Stott, Joint Group Managing Director, Kexgill Group, said: “This project captures exactly what University Quarter represents. We are not simply providing accommodation; we are creating communities where students can grow, lead and make a meaningful impact. The Green Room Project turns sustainability into practical action, engaging, relevant and genuinely student-led.

“Importantly, it also creates valuable opportunities for University of Hull students to engage directly with major programme sponsors, including a national law firm, a leading bank, and a technology company, providing real-world insight, collaboration and professional exposure alongside their academic experience. We are proud to support an initiative that empowers students to think differently about their future and their responsibility to the world around them.”