At your SU, we care about the planet.
From cutting carbon emissions to making our events eco-friendly, sustainability is at the heart of what we do.
Our commitment to the environment shapes our governance, campaigns, events, and services.
We’re passionate about protecting the environment and reversing climate change. Sustainability helps to shape a lot of our work, such as our governance, campaigns, events and services, to name a few.
To ensure we’re doing our part, we focus on key areas:
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Reducing Carbon Emissions
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Waste & Recycling
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Sustainable Procurement & Ethical Sourcing
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Eco-Friendly Travel & Transport
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Lowering the Environmental Impact of Events
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Promoting Sustainability Through Education
We’re working towards two main goals:
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Becoming carbon neutral by 2035
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Establishing ourselves as a leader in sustainability and climate action - regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Want to know more? Check out our Sustainability Action Plan and Sustainability Policy.
We align our sustainability efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which guide our policies and initiatives.
There are 17 global goals—find out more here.
Green Impact is an award-winning programme by Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK), helping Student Unions drive sustainable change. Thanks to this initiative, we’ve achieved ‘Excellent’—the highest award level—for the past two years! In 2021/22, we were even the highest-scoring Students’ Union in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland!
Want to get involved? Take action now!
For more on how we support Green Impact - or to join in - submit a Helpdesk ticket.
Each year, our Officer team runs sustainability-focused campaigns and events to raise awareness and drive change.
Some of our recent and ongoing initiatives include:
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Polytunnel & Sustainable Food Production
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Litter Picks & Beach Cleans
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Sustainable Fashion Week (Read More)
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Veganuary
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Fairtrade Fortnight
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Greenhouse Sessions
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Hedgehog-Friendly Campus
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Cost of Living Breakfasts (Fairtrade Edition)
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Fossil-Free Careers Motion (Read More)
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Plastic-Free Period Products (Read More)
Got an idea for a new sustainability campaign? Reach out to your Officer team!
Sustainability is embedded in everything we do, especially our commercial services.
We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact through:
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Energy Efficiency – Using energy-saving tech and a fully electric van for Union operations.
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Sustainable Sourcing – Partnering with ethical suppliers, such as Fairtrade clothing brands in Y Stiwdio and Fulton Outfitters.
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Waste Reduction – Promoting recycling, reusable cups (with discounts at JC’s), and polycarbonate cups.
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Circular Economy Initiatives – Upcycling materials like wooden pallets for compost bins and garden benches.
Got suggestions? Make your voice heard via Motions, Forums, Surveys, or by speaking to your elected Officers!
Find out more or submit feedback through our Helpdesk.
We’re making sure every event we run is as sustainable as possible, from planning to execution.
Here’s how:
Before the event
✔ Digital Marketing & Invites – Less paper, more trees!
✔ Locally Sourced Catering – Reducing transport emissions.
✔ Reusable Materials – Name tags, lanyards, and signage that last.
During the event
✔ Energy-Saving Venues – Using natural light and low-energy facilities.
✔ Water Conservation – Refillable stations instead of plastic bottles.
✔ Recycling & Composting – Waste sorting on-site.
✔ Eco-Friendly Transport – Encouraging cycling, carpooling, and public transport.
After the event
✔ Digital Content Sharing – No need for printed handouts.
✔ Food Donations – Leftovers go to local food banks.
✔ Carbon Offsetting – Supporting initiatives to balance event emissions.
Our Sustainability Committee ensures we meet and exceed our targets. Made up of key staff from Bars & Events, Finance, Marketing, Engagement, and Full-Time Officers, the committee works on improving our sustainability efforts across the board.
Check out our latest reports:
Want to suggest a discussion point? Submit a Helpdesk ticket
We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far:
Want to live more sustainably?
Check out these resources: