Student Sustainability Champions wrap up a year of impact

The University’s Student Sustainability Champion programme offers our students the chance to take on an additional role alongside their degree, leading sustainability initiatives and encourage environmental action across campus. The role provides valuable skills and experience, contributing towards the University’s unique The Stellify Award – recognising students who engage in activities that support their personal development and future careers.

This year, more than 40 students committed to the programme, choosing to focus on areas such as nature, travel, energy & carbon or consumption. Champions attended training and briefing sessions, then worked in teams to plan and deliver campaigns or events each semester, often partnering with local organisations, societies or supporting wider University initiatives.

Some highlights from our 2024/25 cohort include:

  • A pickling workshop designed to reduce food waste and teach practical preservation skills to students.
  • A second-hand bike giveaway in collaboration with Biko Bikes, providing affordable and sustainable transport options for students. Over 50 students entered the giveaway and attended the event.
  • A guided nature walk at the Firs environmental research station, offering participants a chance to explore biodiversity and connect with nature on campus.
  • An in person and online digital footprint campaign, raising awareness about the environmental impact of online activities such as cloud storage and streaming which engaged over 75 students.
  • Some Champions are also Nature Positive Ambassadors, contributing to wider Environmental Sustainability campaigns on campus. One student’s work founded a Wealth Out of Waste (WooW) Society and her work on a Recycling Week campaign was recently featured as a case study in the global Nature Positive Universities toolkit – a proud moment that highlights the University’s role in this international sustainability movement.

Alongside these activities, Champions promoted sustainability within their academic departments and supported initiatives like the Sustainability challenge, University Living Lab, and the Nature Positive Student Ambassadors.

We’re proud of the dedication and creativity shown by this year’s Champions, and the positive impact they’ve made throughout the University community. Recruitment for next year’s Champions starts soon, we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make.