Greater Brighton was proud to partner with University of Sussex student, Bruno D’Orta, through the UK summer internship programme.
Over the course of his internship, Bruno made a significant contribution to the Sussex Energy Mission by developing a new set of communications resources that will help organisations across Sussex promote energy work in Sussex and encourage greater public engagement in the energy transition.
Working alongside Greater Brighton Business Manager Natasha Bridge as part of the Sussex Energy Mission, Bruno helped develop the first themed content within the new Sussex Energy Ready Made Energy Communications Content – a growing library of ready-to-use communications content designed to help organisations create a stronger, more coordinated voice around low-carbon energy across the region.
Supporting Community Energy Across Sussex
Bruno’s first focus was Community Energy, producing a communications toolkit that organisations can use during Community Energy Fortnight and throughout the year.
The toolkit includes ready-made content to for social media, newsletters, websites and other communications covering:
🌱 What community energy is and why it matters
💡 Ways residents and businesses can support or invest in local projects
🤝 Information about the advice, support and services offered by community energy organisations
🏡 Sussex case studies showcasing successful community-led projects
Designed in collaboration with comms professionals from local community energy organisations, it is a flexible “pick-and-mix” resource, organisations can simply select the content most relevant to their audiences and adapt it for their own websites, newsletters and social media channels.
A screenshot from the Community Energy communications toolkit.
Want to hear more about Bruno’s experience?
Watch this short video where Bruno explains the project, what he learnt during his internship and how the communications resources were developed.
Bruno also began work on a second communications theme, “Upgrade Your Home, Power Our Future,” encouraging homeowners to make energy improvements that reduce bills, improve comfort and support Sussex’s journey towards energy neutrality. Watch this space for it being launched later this year!
Developing Skills Through Real Projects
As well as delivering an important regional resource, the internship gave Bruno practical experience of climate communications, stakeholder engagement and regional partnership working.
Reflecting on his experience, Bruno said:
“I had no idea how much amazing climate and energy work is already happening in Sussex, it made me really proud of the region.” – Bruno D’Orta
This internship builds on earlier work undertaken by five University of Sussex students through the University’s Winter 2025 Student Consultancy Programme. One of those students, Shaun, reflected on the experience:
“I felt like I learnt so much about what impactful projects are happening locally and it’s exciting to know that the work we have done will have impacted these projects” – Shaun Hettiarachchige
We are enormously grateful to both Bruno and the students involved in the Winter Student Consultancy Programme for their dedication and high-quality work. Their contributions demonstrate the value of bringing together students, universities and regional partners to tackle real-world challenges.
Greater Brighton looks forward to continuing its partnership with the University of Sussex and other partners to provide students with opportunities to gain valuable experience while contributing to meaningful regional initiatives.
“I’d definitely recommend volunteering on a project like this. It’s flexible, supportive and a great way to make a difference.”
– Bruno D’Orta