Sustainability

This online mini-module can be completed in your own time and provides a solid overview of climate change and sustainability. 

You can access the course throughout the year via Surrey Learn. After completion, you will be awarded a sustainability badge that can be saved to your LinkedIn.

All students receive a sustainability induction by course leaders at the start of the academic year. Induction slides can be viewed here. 

There are many societies organising sustainable activities both across campus and in the local community. These include Sustainability, People and Planet, Enactus and Garden Society. 

Head over to the SU’s website to find out more.

All societies and clubs can get accredited as being sustainable by completing the Sustainability Mark. 

The mark, run in collaboration with the SU and Sustainability Team, provides you with five simple sustainable actions you and your members can take. By taking part, you won't just get an award at the Union or Colours Ball, but will also achieve points towards your STARS. 

Take a look at the online form to find out more and get involved. Any questions, contact the Sustainability Team. 

The University’s Sustainability Team regularly organise opportunities. Local community organisations also provide volunteering opportunities for students. 

To see the latest volunteering roles on offer, head over to Surrey Students' Union's volunteering webpages. 

The Community Garden, based on Stag Hill Campus, provides staff and students with the opportunity to learn how to garden and grow fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. 

Gardening sessions happen every Tuesday afternoon (12-2pm) and are open to students and staff for free. The Centre for Wellbeing also offer neuroaffirmative sessions on Wednesday afternoons (2:15-3:45pm) open to all students. 

All levels of gardening experience welcome, and you don't need to pre-book - simply turn up and get involved. 

To find out more, contact the Sustainability Team. 

Every term the Sustainability team host several sustainable events. 

These include the Sustainability Assembly – a chance for you to voice your opinions and have a significant impact on the University’s future sustainability strategy – as well as specific sustainable careers panels. 

Upcoming events are promoted on the Sustainability team’s Instagram, Tik Tok and X. You can also sign up to monthly sustainability newsletters. 

Try incorporating more plant-based food into your diet to reduce your environmental impact. Using up your leftovers also has a positive impact on the environment, and ensures less food goes to waste. 

Use bins across campus correctly. Putting food waste in green food bins improves your recycling rate, and ensures the University can continue to divert 100% of your rubbish from landfill. 

Have a positive impact on the planet by shopping secondhand, and donating items you no longer want. The Surrey Students' Union's Community Hub sell secondhand clothes and household items, and there are many charity shops in the local area. 

Save money on your utility bills by switching off equipment and lighting when not in use. If you see faulty equipment on campus, report it to Estates and Facilities to help ensure the University is using energy as efficiently as possible.

Reduce the cost of your water bills by: 

• turning off the tap whilst brushing your teeth
• checking all taps are turned off after use
• shower to the length of your favourite 4 minute song

If you find a water leak on campus, please report it to Estates and Facilities. 

Consider how you travel to and from campus to reduce your environmental impact: 

• Local buses run regularly to and from campus. Bus passes are available.
• E-bikes are available to rent across campus in and the local area.
• EV charging points are available on Stag Hill campus.

Active travel such as walking, wheeling or cycling can also have a positive impact to your health and wellbeing.