University of Westminster

The Cavendish Living Lab

At the heart of London, University of Westminster’s (UoW) Living Lab provides a platform for the students of all levels and disciplines to partner with academic staff, estates, and external partners to address real-world issues such as food waste, plastic waste, and wastewater. The project is focused on co-creating sustainable solutions which include urban food growing, developing biobased alternatives to replace conventional plastics and wastewater management.

Alongside employability and authentic learning, sustainability is one of the key drivers of the project. One of the unique aspects of the project is the use of artificial intelligence to transform food and wastewater into high value products establishing an innovative, circular economy model in line with SDG 14. 

The student participants in the project bring in their distinctive ideas and work collaboratively while fulfilling their individual roles as project managers, urban food growers, biopolymer scientists, media and community engagement officers, App developers and data scientists.

Practical skills, creative and critical thinking on the project nurture vital green skills and help boost employability which is the overarching aim of the project. 

Top 3 Learnings

1. We are using innovation to minimise food, wastewater, and plastic waste, emphasising the importance of responsible consumption.
2. Our urban food growth implemented a circular economy, teaching us the value of reuse methods.
3. Partnerships between students across all levels and disciplines allows sharing of green skills.