Sustainability
Sustainability isn't only about the "green stuff". It's about justice, equality, and inclusion; to build a world where people and the planetcan thrive. Students are uniquely positioned to be powerful agents of thatchange. University is when you shape lifelong habits, make decisions about your values, and connect with others. As one ofthe largest groups within the University, you have a collective voice that brings ideas, creativity, energy, andthe ability to influence the systems you're a part of.
Global Goals, Local Action
Heard of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? They’re a blueprint for creating a fairer, more sustainable world. Butthey’re not just international targets. At the University, SDGs are embedded across teaching, research, and operations. But they come to life through students. Real sustainability can't just be a policy or a recycling bin, itmust be lived, felt, and practiced by those who make up the university community. One way to do that is to connect with others!
Get started with Sustainability at Exeter
Below is your guide to the people, projects, and campaigns driving environmental and social impact at the University of Exeter. Whether you're passionate about climate justice, biodiversity, sustainable food, or community wellbeing, there’s a place for you to lead, volunteer, campaign, orjust get to know.This guide is here to spark curiosity, connect you with others who are taking action, andhelp you make Exeter more sustainable. Seen something interesting? Want to get involved but not sure how? Contact the Voice Team and we’ll link you with the right people.
Join or lead a student group
Find your community. Build your movement.
Exeter’s student societies are already acting towards climate justice, ethical food, sustainable fashion,and social change.
Groups to check out:
Be The Change Society: Campaigns for social and environmental justice.
Enactus: Social enterprise society tackling global issues.
Exeter Student Volunteers: Projects supporting environmental justice and wellbeing.
Vegetarian and Vegan Society: encouraging a plant-based lifestyle.
Browse all societies and groups
Connect with the sustainability Team
Turn your ideas into action. Help shape strategy. The University of Exeter Sustainability Team runs projects across campus and works withstudents, staff, and external partners to deliver real-world solutions.
Current Opportunities:
influence campus operations
Your campus, your impact.
The University is actively transforming how it operates; and students have already made a difference. Ledby the Sustainability Team but involving staff, academics, and YOU, operational change is a team effort. Get familiar with the workthat is happening:
Green spaces and biodiversity: Help with the Community Garden or volunteer with the grounds team at Veg Heads.
Low-carbon travel: Join cycling and active transport initiatives.
Waste and reuse schemes: From Students on the Move to Gift It Reuse It
Sustainable Labs (LEAF): Help labs reduce their environmental impact
Sustainable catering: Ethical food, fairtrade ingredients and low-carbon menus.
Student-led campaign wins:
Community Fridge in the Forum Library
Repaire Café (co-led by students and staff)
Rethink Education
Shape what, how, and why we learn.
Sustainability in education is a collaborative mission that involves students, staff, the Guild, academic leads, and the Sustainability Team.
Ways to get involved:
Curriculum for Change (C4C): Help the Guild advocate for the student voice by giving feedback to academic reps in how sustainability is delivered on your courses.
Future17 and sustainability focussed modulCues: Increase your knowledge and collaborate with students globally on UN SDG projects.
Responsible Futures Accreditation: Guild Staff work collaboratively with the university towards responsible futures accreditation. A framework designed by SOS UK to encourage meaningful engagement with sustainability in our curriculum and community.
Just Futures Group: Current research on social justice and environmental change.
Green Futures Network: Join the network for free and connect with organisations creating a sustainable future.
Student Employability and Skills (ESS): Explore initiatives that help you prepare for a career in sustainability.
Keep an eye on the Sustainability Team's social media for part-time roles and other education-related initiatives.
sustainability in the local community
The change you call for doesn’t stop at campus
Exeter is home to aninspiring network of local groups and initiatives that welcome studentinvolvement.
Local opportunities:
Exeter Library of Things: Borrow tools,gadgets and equipment rather than buying new.
Community Garden: Grow food connect and support sustainable living practices.
Community Fridges : Reduce waste and support access to free food.
Start your own community-facing project through Enactus or Be the Change Society.
Want to make change? let's Talk
Whether you have a project idea, or want to get involved with an existing initiative, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact the Student Voice Team with your questions and ideas.