Ensure the University sets and delivers ambitious new sustainability targets, including revised goals on Net Zero and sustainable education, to prepare all students for a climate conscious future.
Lead Officer: Sam Ellis Hunt, SU Activities Officer
What is the issue about?
The University has committed to Net Zero by 2040, but progress on core climate targets is not being met. At the same time, the University is reviewing its Sustainability Strategy. The current lack of targets means that core pledges are likely to be missed, causing impacts to student life and funding.
Students are increasingly concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability. The Sustainability Survey shows that while 94% of students support sustainability-related action, only 42% believe senior management is delivering on these issues. Concerns have been raised around policy, food, energy, waste and transport – all issues that affect daily student life.
lso inconsistent, with limited opportunities for students engage with climate issues on their course. There is growing interest in embedding sustainability across all programmes to better prepare students for a climate-conscious future.
What are we asking the University to do?
We are asking the university to set deliverable, ambitious, new sustainability targets on their operations, education and research, with a particular focus on net zero and sustainable education.
We are calling for clearer goals, more regular updates and transparent reporting to ensure the university is held accountable for the targets they set. We want the university to prepare all students for a climate conscious future by embedding sustainable education across the university.
What will success look like?
- A revised sustainability strategy by the end of the academic year, with clear and measurable targets for Net Zero and sustainability education.
- A transparent and student-led reporting sustainability framework introduced, including regular public facing updates and accountability mechanisms.
- Initiatives and action being made accessible and affordable to students, so all students can engage and contribute to sustainability.
- Improved student satisfaction and perception of sustainability in university and national surveys and in ranking leagues.
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