Rosa Mumford-Turner
A standout highlight this year was our work on biodiversity, including a successful student-led BioBlitz and a Beeline audit which helped identify opportunities to improve habitats and pollinator-friendly spaces. Our Sustainability Committee ran a successful Green Spaces campaign revitalising our Community Garden and getting more students involved in gardening and conservation work. Students also took the lead on running a series of birdwatching events in partnership with the Green Team and RSPB at Bower Ashton and Frenchay Campuses.
On a personal level, we are incredibly proud of the journey we have been on. Achieving a perfect score is not just about meeting accreditation criteria; it reflects years of building relationships, developing projects and empowering students to lead change. We are particularly proud to be sector-leading in our partnership with UWE Bristol. Having a genuine seat around the University table and the opportunity to shape strategic sustainability discussions together is fantastic, and it demonstrates the value of students as key partners in delivering institutional change.
This achievement belongs to everyone who has contributed their time, energy and ideas throughout the past 12 years. It is a testament to what can be achieved when students and staff work together with a shared vision for a more sustainable future.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities the coming year will bring. With an emphasis on building relationships and spreading awareness of great sustainability student engagement work, we are excited to take our new sabbatical team on this journey! Starting tomorrow with their mandatory Sustainability Induction for all new starters followed by an all SU Staff briefing of the National People's Emergency Briefing to talk together as a community about the climate and ecological emergency, understanding our role as a Students' Union.