Founder of a Grain of Sand & Surfers Against Sewage, Former Sustainability Director of The Eden Project, Named as a Daily Telegraph’s Eco Hero & Awarded an MBE
Chris Hines’s Biography:
Chris Hines is one of the UK’s most respected environmental campaigners, known for more than 30 years of work dedicated to protecting the natural world and inspiring positive change. A co-founder and former Director of Surfers Against Sewage, he helped transform the organisation into one of Britain’s most influential environmental movements, placing ocean health and water quality firmly on the national agenda. His commitment to environmental advocacy has earned him numerous honours, including being appointed MBE in 2008 and receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Plymouth.
Chris’s early activism focused on challenging pollution and harmful environmental practices. During his 10 years leading Surfers Against Sewage, he gave evidence to UK Parliament, the European Commission and the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, and briefed the President of the European Parliament. His ability to make complex environmental issues relatable and urgent led to widespread media coverage, with appearances on Panorama, BBC Newsnight, BBC World Service and CNN. His leadership contributed to meaningful legislative and public awareness shifts around water pollution and coastal protection.
In 2001, Chris became Sustainability Director at the Eden Project, where he helped embed sustainability into the organisation’s structure, operations and public engagement. During his five years in the role, he drove major projects designed to demonstrate solutions-based environmental thinking. Later, through his consultancy A Grain of Sand, founded in 2009, he began advising businesses, charities and public bodies on sustainable strategy, helping clients such as the BBC’s Sustainability Advisory Group, Accenture, Comic Relief and global conferences shape effective environmental action.
Today, Chris continues to inspire organisations to embrace sustainability through practical, accessible and empowering guidance. His experience spans grassroots activism, government engagement, corporate advisory work and global advocacy. Named a Daily Telegraph Eco Hero and joint-winner of the International Surfers Path Green Wave Award, he remains a leading voice on environmental responsibility and positive systemic change.
Why Hire Chris Hines?
Chris Hines is an engaging, honest and highly practical speaker who brings decades of frontline environmental experience. He has advised government ministers, influenced legislation and helped some of the UK’s most recognisable organisations embed sustainability into their operations. Chris excels at making environmental action achievable rather than overwhelming, offering clear steps, real-world examples and inspiring storytelling. His ability to communicate with audiences of all backgrounds, from corporate teams to global conferences and schools, makes him an ideal speaker for organisations seeking to understand sustainability, spark cultural change or strengthen their environmental strategy.
Chris Hines’s Career Highlights:
Below showcases Chris Hines’s inspirational career throughout sustainability:
- 2025 – Awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Royal Holloway, University of London for his commitment to protecting England’s seas and waterways.
- 2011 – Received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Plymouth in recognition of his outstanding environmental advocacy.
- 2008 – Appointed MBE for services to the environment in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
- 2006 – Joint-winner of the first International Surfers Path Green Wave Award and named a Daily Telegraph Eco Hero.
- 2001 – Became Sustainability Director at the Eden Project and introduced the pioneering Waste Neutral concept.
- 1999 – Shortlisted for the Green Politics Award for his environmental campaigning impact.
- 1990 – Co-founded and served as Director of Surfers Against Sewage, transforming it into a nationally recognised environmental movement.
Videos
Chris Hines’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Chris Hines, our final choice, was perfect. Chris’ background and enthusiasm made for an engaging and inspiring talk. He took on our aims for the event and wove them into his presentation. All the feedback we had from delegates was overwhelmingly positive, and I would not hesitate to recommend both the team at Champions and Chris Hines MBE to anyone looking for a speaker” – Heather, Campaigns Officer, Dorset Heaths Partnership
“On the day, Chris did a fantastic job of building on previous presentations and sharing his experiences and inspiring our delegates” – Co-Op Risk & HSE Conference
“It was great – he was really good and the talks were fantastic.” – Georgina, Ardingley College
“We had such a great session with Chris on Thursday. He spoke so passionately and eloquently. It was fun, engaging and inspiring. Please pass on our sincere thanks to him! Thanks for your help in selecting him & setting up the session, it was a great success. Highly recommended for anyone who wants some inspiration and motivation to change the world!” – Olivia, Stuart Distribution
Can I firstly say how brilliant Chris Hines was, and I would like you to feed that back to him – he went above and beyond to make it happen! – Sarah, ParentTime
“The event was fantastic and both Shaun and Chris went down a storm. Very, very popular with lots of positive feedback about them both.” – Natalie, Group Head of Professional Development, Bedford College
“I can honestly say that Chris was an excellent host. Clearly passionate about our cause and very well-read on everything biogas! He was very professional and was truly a delight to work with.” – The Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association
Speaking Topics
Chris Hines’s Official Keynote Topics:
- How to Build a Sustainable Future
- Turning Environmental Problems into Practical Solutions
- The Power of Grassroots Activism
- Lessons from 30 Years of Environmental Campaigning
- Communicating Sustainability with Clarity and Impact
- Creating Cultural Change for a Greener Organisation
How Much Does Chris Hines Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Chris Hines?
The cost of hiring Chris Hines varies based on event format, location and session length. For a tailored quote, please contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.