A UPP Foundation programme will give students at UK universities the chance to put their sustainability-related ideas into practice. Their Student Sustainability Fund is available to students at Exeter, Hull and Leeds Beckett universities.
The pilot scheme will fund a student-led project at each of the participating universities, following panel assessments. Projects will be delivered with up to a £1,000 budget each.
“Sustainability is a global challenge that concerns many of our students at University of Exeter. The UPP Foundation Student Sustainability Fund is providing a fantastic opportunity for students to deliver their own ideas to help create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future.
“We have received some very strong project proposals and, in addition to supporting the winning team with the delivery of their funded project, we will be offering support and guidance to all teams who wish to see their ideas become a reality.
“As an organisation, we are committed to engaging our students in our sustainability journey and we are delighted to be partnering with UPPF on a scheme that empowers students to make a difference.”
Jo Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability, Exeter University
Each of the winning projects will be led by groups of students who will design and deliver campaigns and projects aimed at engaging their peers in sustainability-focused initiatives.
Ideas proposed by students include a sportswear recycling project, a student guide to sustainable city living, and an initiative to promote ecological community projects and spaces to students.
“The UPP Foundation is pleased to announce the new Student Sustainability Fund. The Fund offers students a chance to propose innovative ideas, deliver them to fruition and gain valuable experience in sustainable development.
“We are delighted to be piloting this initiative with Exeter, Hull and Leeds Beckett universities and look forward to supporting the creative ideas which students come up with and deliver.”
Richard Brabner, Executive Chair, UPP Foundation
Following an application process, assessments have now taken place by a panel of experts at each University. The winning groups will be announced in this New Year and have until the end of March to deliver their projects, showing what a small and committed group of students can do in the field of sustainability.
There will be cash prizes for the chosen project at each university, and at the end of the pilot, one of the three projects will be announced as the overall winner.
“For our students, the Student Sustainability Fund is a really great opportunity to not just have an idea, but to realise it.
“The £1,000 funding is great: there are an awful lot of ideas that you could realise for that sort of money. So this is a great opportunity for students to turn a great idea into a great reality.”
Gareth Milsom, Sustainability Officer, Leeds Beckett University
The victorious team will be awarded a paid three-week placement at the UPP Foundation, which includes free accommodation at Garden Halls, the University of London and UPP accommodation in central London.
This innovative project is one way that the UPP Foundation is supporting students and universities to engage more deeply with the sustainability agenda and make their ideas a reality.
“The University of Hull is very proud to be part of the UPP Foundation Student Sustainability Fund, it is a really unique and exciting opportunity for our students to be involved in an important issue facing the world and take some local action in the University community.
“Environmental Sustainability is at the heart of the University of Hull’s strategic plan and this project aligns perfectly.”
Steve Curtis, interim Director of Commercial Services, University of Hull
Students across the country are firmly committed to sustainability. In 2022, 79% of students felt that it was very important that universities reduce their environmental impact.
