With 2024 coming to an end and being declared the hottest year on record by the World Meteorological Organisation, it is important for us, as Exeter students, to reflect on the efforts our University has made in terms of its sustainability impacts, both locally and nationwide.
By this means, towards the end of the year, the University of Exeter rose from 12th to 9th place in the 2024/2025 People & Planet University League – being the top Russell Group university within the current rankings. Students will be pleased to know that our University also scored within the top 10 in the world for progress in the UN Sustainable Development Goals achievements in 2024 – working continuously to “end poverty, protect the planet, and achieve prosperity for all by 2030”.
our University also scored within the top 10 in the world for progress in the UN Sustainable Development Goals achievements in 2024
Within the University, Exeter continues to encourage against single-use plastics – encouraging students to use reusable cups and providing biodegradable options where possible within its food outlets. Our institution prides itself in using locally grown ingredients in the food sold to students,
Research-wise, last year University of Exeter academics, in collaboration with the pressure group Peers for the Planet, created and published the “Parliamentarians’ Guide to Climate Change” – urging local MPs and politicians worldwide to consider the impact they each hold on the matter and proposing means for improvement that is applicable to all – students, members of staff, politicians, and casual readers.
last year University of Exeter academics, in collaboration with the pressure group Peers for the Planet, created and published the “Parliamentarians’ Guide to Climate Change”
The University of Exeter continues to publish its “Environmental Achievements” document every year, with its aims listing “adhering to the Sustainable Food Policy”, “maintaining Fairtrade Accreditation”, and “reducing plastic waste”. The information for this is easily accessible on the University website to students, staff, and beyond.
The University’s Strategy 2030 project outlines Exeter’s environmental goals to follow up in the upcoming years – but none of it can be achieved as quickly without the students’ help. By this means, each individual impact on Climate Change can be minimised by recycling accordingly where possible, shopping sustainably in terms of local food and second-hand clothing, and re-using coffee cups and water bottles to minimise single-use plastics.
The upcoming events hosted by the Sustainability department can be accessed here – and by the looks of it, it appears that our University has a lot planned this month alone to maintain its sustainable reputation, with the calendar being updated weekly.
