Sustainable communities

Students play a vital role in helping shape a more sustainable University.

The University provides opportunities for students to engage with sustainability through volunteering, campaigns, projects, events and representation within sustainability governance structures.

Students contribute to sustainability by:

• Participating in environmental initiatives
• Supporting awareness campaigns
• Volunteering within the local community
• Contributing to sustainability projects
• Representing student perspectives through governance groups

Student involvement helps ensure sustainability remains relevant, inclusive and responsive to the priorities of our University community.

Community growing initiatives provide opportunities for students and staff to engage with sustainable food production, biodiversity and wellbeing whilst strengthening connections across the University community.

The University works closely with Hertfordshire Students’ Union to support student-led sustainability initiatives and encourage participation across the student community.

The Students’ Union delivers a range of activities that complement the University’s sustainability objectives and provide opportunities for students to make a positive impact both on and off campus. The Union has also undertaken environmental improvement initiatives through sustainability programmes and action plans aimed at reducing its own environmental impact.

Together, the University and Students’ Union support:

• sustainability campaigns;
• student volunteering;
• environmental awareness activities;
• community initiatives;
• sustainability events;
• student representation within governance structures;
• this partnership helps ensure students play an active role in;
• shaping the University’s sustainability journey.

The University is committed to encouraging sustainable travel and reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicle journeys.

Active Ride provides students and staff with access to a free on-campus cycle hire scheme, making it easier to travel between campuses whilst supporting health, wellbeing and carbon reduction objectives. Bikes can be hired free of charge for up to two hours and are available from multiple locations across College Lane, de Havilland and the Park & Ride site. The scheme supports active travel, reduces transport-related emissions and provides a convenient alternative to short car journeys.

Active Ride forms part of the University's wider commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable campus community by encouraging active lifestyles and providing accessible, low-carbon transport options. The scheme also supports the University's Travel Plan objectives by promoting cycling as a practical and sustainable mode of transport.

Active Ride at a Glance:

• free bike hire for up to 2 hours;
• available between 05:00 and 21:00;
• multiple pick-up and drop-off locations across both campuses;
• linked to the Park & Ride facility;
• supports active travel, wellbeing and carbon reduction;
• available to both students and staff.

Students have opportunities to take an active role in sustainability through programmes and initiatives that encourage participation, leadership and positive action.

Sustainability Advocates help raise awareness, support projects and encourage sustainable behaviours across the University community.

Participation provides opportunities to:

• develop leadership skills;
• gain practical sustainability experience;
• support environmental initiatives;
• contribute to positive change across campus;
• these activities help students build valuable skills whilst contributing to the University’s wider sustainability objectives.

Staff engagement is critical to delivering meaningful sustainability improvements.

The University seeks to ensure sustainability is embedded throughout staff experience, awareness activities, communications and engagement programmes.

Staff play an important role in identifying opportunities for improvement, supporting sustainability initiatives and helping create a culture of environmental responsibility across the institution.

Through collaboration and shared ownership, staff contribute to the continual development of the University’s sustainability programme.

The University encourages students and staff to contribute positively to local communities through volunteering and community engagement activities.

Working alongside local organisations and community groups, volunteers support projects that create environmental, educational and social benefits.

Examples may include:

• environmental improvement projects;
• community events;
• educational outreach activities;
• sustainability campaigns;
• local volunteering opportunities;

These activities help strengthen relationships between the University and the communities it serves whilst delivering positive social and environmental outcomes.

Awareness campaigns provide opportunities for students and staff to learn more about sustainability and take practical action.

Activities such as Go Green Week help encourage participation in sustainability initiatives and raise awareness of environmental challenges and opportunities. These campaigns support behavioural change and help create a culture where sustainability becomes part of everyday life across the University community.

Campaigns may focus on topics including:

• waste reduction;
• sustainable travel;
• biodiversity;
• energy conservation;
• sustainable food;
• climate action.

Creating a sustainable future requires participation from everyone.

Through engagement, collaboration and shared responsibility, the University is working to create a culture where sustainability is embedded within everyday life and where students, staff and partners are empowered to contribute to positive environmental and social change.

By building strong communities and encouraging active participation, we can create lasting benefits for both people and planet.