Climate change is the biggest environmental crisis of our time. In 2019 the University joined organisations around the world in declaring a climate emergency, and as a community we have made it our priority to respond to the climate crisis.
Our goal at Sussex is to be one of the most sustainable universities in the world.
We have pledged to positively impact the community through a sustainable supply chain and by embedding sustainability into all aspects of student learning and experience.
Students and staff are working together to achieve this in many ways, including our biodiversity work across campus, through our world-leading sustainability research, and supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Below you can check out some of our most recent sustainability initiatives and achievements, as well as ways to get involved and take action. For more information about our sustainability strategy and the work we are doing you can visit the sustainability pages on our website.
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We’re recognised across the world for our sustainable impact
In March of this year, the University achieved joint first place – scoring 100% – in the areas of Sustainable Food and Education for Sustainable Development, according to the 2022/23 People & Planet University League.
We have ranked first in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, third in the UK for sustainable institutions in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2023, and we are in the Top 50 in the world for impact on the UN’s SDGs in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023.
Our award-winning sustainable catering
The University, and our partner Chartwells, were also awarded the U Dine Award for sustainability this year.
Some of the reasons we earned this award were:
- All packaging we use is compostable and processed here on site with the aerobic digestor
- We hold monthly, free, plant-based Social Kitchens to teach students about avoiding food waste, batch cooking and eating more sustainably
- Our University conference centre operates as a single-use-plastic-free venue
- We partner with Too Good to Go and Olio to minimise food waste
- We hold the highest-possible Sustainable Restaurant Association accreditation
We’re increasing biodiversity at Sussex
Our unique location in the Sussex South Downs National Park and UNESCO biosphere means we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to make our campus as biodiverse as possible.
Based on a consultation with students and staff, the University committed to increase the percentage of campus biodiversity to 42% by December 2027.
In March 2022 we launched the Big Biodiversity Conversation so students, and the wider University community, could guide our biodiversity efforts.
Since then, the University has worked closely with students and members of staff to five biodiversity projects up and running on campus.
These projects will help us achieve our biodiversity net-gain goals, as well as providing opportunities for education and research on biodiversity.
Find out more about our biodiversity plans and how to get involved.
Sussex Climate Leaders
As part of our sustainability commitment, Sussex participated in the COP26 scholarships program, offering £3,000 scholarships to new students. Since 2022, we have awarded eight Climate Leader
Scholarships to students who have shown outstanding climate leadership in their local communities. We are working with them to deliver initiatives and engage students on tackling climate change and reaching net zero together.
Find out more about the scheme and meet our Climate Leaders.
How you can make a positive and effective difference
The great progress we have made so far with our sustainability goal is a direct result of the collaboration of our community of students and staff. We still have more work to do and there are plenty of ways that you can get involved and make a difference during your time at Sussex.
Get involved and take action
There are a range of ways you can use your time at Sussex to take action on sustainability:
- Join a sustainability society – there are several to choose from depending on your interest. From gardening, to food waste, to biodiversity!
- Volunteer for sustainability – you can log Spirit of Sussex Award points for any co-curricular sustainability action you take, such as beach cleans or food redistribution.
- Become a Green Impact Project Assistant - work in partnership with Sussex staff to make your school more sustainable. Email sustainable@sussex.ac.uk to register your interest.
Find out more about getting involved.
Live sustainably
There are many things you can do in your everyday life to live and work more sustainably. From the way you travel, by reducing your waste, or the way you use energy.
Read our Be Sustainable webpages to find out more.
EcoGo app – get rewarded for travelling sustainably
The free EcoGo app is the sustainable Sussex travel rewards scheme. For every sustainable travel choice you make, you earn money off at your favourite shops and leisure locations and help fight the climate crisis.
Download the EcoGo app to get started.
Events
There are a range of sustainability events for students and staff to join throughout the year. From beach cleans and campus walks with biodiversity academics, to workshops and lectures – there is always an opportunity to learn, discuss, get involved in new initiatives and make a real difference.
Check out the news and events page for upcoming opportunities.
Further information
For more information about our sustainability initiatives and ways to get involved, visit the sustainability pages on our website.