This week, we’re inspired by innovation and impact shaping a fairer future. From Swiss railways being reimagined as solar power stations, to UK universities championing ethical trade, to the growing movement making the four-day work week a lasting reality.

Here are three positive stories from the week of June 30 to 6 July, 2025.

 

Solar panels on the tracks

A Swiss company is reimagining solar energy by turning railway lines into power stations.

With limited space for large-scale solar farms and public resistance to Alpine installations, Sun-Ways has developed a clever solution – solar panels that slot between railway tracks.

Their pilot project in Neuchâtel, which went live earlier this year, is the first of its kind — and it’s already catching the attention of countries like France, South Korea and Indonesia.

If rolled out across Switzerland’s 5,000km rail network, it could generate enough clean energy to power up to 30,000 homes — all without using an inch of extra land.

Learn more about the pilot here.

 

UK universities awarded for championing Fairtrade

Twelve UK universities have been recognised in 2025 for their commitment to ethical consumption and global justice, earning the prestigious Fairtrade University and College Award.

The University of Reading led the way with a three-star rating, thanks to outstanding efforts in curriculum innovation, ethical procurement, and student engagement. Other universities to come out on top included the University of Worcester, University of Manchester, University of Chichester, Bangor University, and De Montfort University.

Universities were assessed across a wide range of areas, including how they embed ethical trade within research and curriculum, the impact of their campaigning and influencing activities, and their approaches to procurement, retail, and catering.

Run by the Fairtrade Foundation and Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK), the award celebrates two years of collaboration between students, staff and unions – and comes at a time when global challenges and shifting education priorities make sustained action more vital than ever.

 

Four-day week trials made permanent

Nearly 1,000 UK employees are keeping their reduced hours after the latest six-month trial of the four-day week wrapped with resounding success. The trial, organised by campaign group 4 Day Week Foundation, ran from November 2023 and involved a range of employers from charities to professional services firms. Participants included the British Society for Immunology and Crate Brewery in east London, with company sizes ranging from 5 to 400 staff.

Backed by the 4 Day Week Foundation, the trial showed strong results:
– 62% of workers reported less burnout
– 45% said they felt more satisfied with life

The move follows a landmark pilot in 2022 involving nearly 3,000 workers, which saw the majority of businesses stick with reduced hours. This latest cohort reinforces the trend, and points to lasting benefits.

Researchers at Boston College called the findings “extremely positive”, adding weight to the growing belief that a shorter working week could be the future of work.

 

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