Worcester Students’ Union recognises the importance of sustainability in fostering a healthier and more equitable future for our planet and its inhabitants.
As an organisation representing the student body, we are committed to minimising our environmental footprint, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among our members.
We have a sustainability policy that outlines our commitment to reducing environmental impact, promoting social responsibility, and ensuring long-term economic viability in all aspects of our operations. In addition, we have a series of guidance documents that provide detailed explanations of our approach to various specific operations, ensuring consistency and alignment with our sustainability goals.
We want to ensure that our members are aware of the various ways they can get involved in sustainability, whether directly through the Union or within the wider community. To help, we are in the process of creating a digital Student Sustainability Guide, providing valuable resources and opportunities for everyone to contribute to a more sustainable future.
How does Worcester Students' Union set and track its sustainability goals?
Worcester Students' Union signed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Accord in 2016, which is a commitment to advancing sustainability in higher education by aligning institutional practices with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. As part of our commitment, we have aligned both our long-term and short-term sustainability objectives with these global goals, ensuring that our actions contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a global blueprint for peace, prosperity, and a sustainable future. Adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, the SDGs call for urgent action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure well-being for all by 2030.
What role do students play in shaping sustainability initiatives at the Students' Union?
At Worcester Students' Union, we prioritise student voice in decision-making. Our elected sabbatical officers shape our annual objectives, and we gather feedback through the Ideas Forum, the annual Sustainability Skills Survey (read our latest report), and a sustainability question in our Pulse Survey (discussed in our Sustainability Impact Report). This feedback helps us shape our goals and guide our actions. For transparency and accountability to our members, we regularly report on our progress toward these goals during our Sustainability Committee meetings. Additionally, we summarise our efforts in an annual Sustainability Impact Report highlighting all the work we have accomplished throughout the year.
Any questions or suggestions? Email us at SUsustainability@worc.ac.uk or submit a suggestion through our Ideas Forum.
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