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Sustainability

We believe that taking action on sustainability is not just necessary — it is the right thing to do. Here’s how we’re making an impact.
An image of Steph (DPFS) talking at the London Student Sustainability Conference 2024

Union Sustainability Strategy

At Imperial College Union, we define sustainability as meeting the needs of our current student community without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.​

In order to operate sustainably whilst representing over 24,000 students, we have developed the Union Sustainability Strategy.​

This strategy outlines our key priorities and the areas we will be focusing on over the next few years, enabling us to align our activities with the pressing challenges of the climate and ecological crises. ​

Our aims

Three students walking through a field chatting

Educate

all Imperial students on sustainability

Students talking amongst grass and flowers

Lobby

Imperial to enhance their sustainability commitments

Beit Quad empty during covid

Minimise

the Union’s carbon footprint to mitigate our climate impact

3 students chatting under trees

Deliver

social impact to our wider community

Performance Indicators

For each aim in the strategy, we have outlined the key ambitions and actions we aspire to achieve within the next few years.

Why are we doing this?

We believe that taking action on sustainability is not just necessary​ — it is the right thing to do.

As a Union that represents both current and future students, we have a responsibility to lead by example and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable and just future. ​

The impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are already being felt across the world, including our student community. We recognise that we must act now to contribute to long-term positive change — for our students, our local communities and for society at large.

When will this happen?

This strategy is designed to guide the Union’s sustainability work between 2024 and 2028.

There will be annual reviews to ensure that our objectives remain relevant and reflective of student interests and evolving challenges.

2024-25​: The first year will focus on gathering baseline data and building foundational processes

2025-28:​ The following three years will build on this work, scaling up ambitions and actions

2028​: We will refresh the strategy with a new set of priorities and goals for the next phase of our sustainability journey

How can you get involved?​

There are many ways for you to support and participate in the Union’s sustainability work:​
  • Stay informed by checking the News & Updates section of our website, where we’ll share progress and key milestones ​

  • Get involved directly in societies and campaigns—contact the project lead or reach out to your elected student representatives​

  • Run for a student rep position to shape policy and hold the Union and university accountable ​

  • Share your ideas or feedback with us—we are always keen to hear from you ​

Together, we can build a more sustainable Union, university and world.

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