Comparing the 2024–25 and 2025–26 staff surveys reveals a subtle but important evolution in how colleagues understand, engage with, and feel about sustainability at the University of Worcester.
Growing awareness, but engagement still uneven
Both years show that awareness of institutional sustainability efforts is relatively high, but often falls into the “aware but not engaged” category. In 2024–25, for example, energy conservation saw 60% of staff aware but not engaged, with only a small proportion reporting they were “very engaged.”
In 2025–26, this pattern persists across multiple areas (energy, travel, food, and carbon reduction), with large proportions again clustered in awareness without strong engagement, typically around one-third to over half of respondents, depending on the theme.
This suggests that while communications are reaching staff, converting awareness into active participation remains a challenge.
Knowledge of schemes: familiarity improving
Knowledge of specific sustainability initiatives (such as the Beryl Bike scheme and First Bus Commuter Travel Club) is mixed in both years. However, the 2025–26 results indicate a slight shift towards greater familiarity, with more respondents reporting that they have at least “heard of” schemes and understand how they work, compared with 2024–25 where lack of understanding was more pronounced.
Even so, a notable minority in both years still report not knowing about these initiatives at all, highlighting an ongoing gap in awareness-raising.
Everyday sustainable behaviours remain strong
Encouragingly, both surveys show consistently high levels of pro-environmental behaviour.
In 2024–25, large majorities reported regularly:
- Turning off lights (around 80%)
- Using reusable bottles (around 73%)
In 2025–26, these habits remain strong, with similarly high proportions continuing to:
- Switch off appliances (around 86% regularly)
- Use reusable containers (over 80%)
This consistency suggests that baseline sustainability habits are well embedded, even if deeper engagement with institutional initiatives lags behind.
Commitment: steady but with limited uplift
Overall commitment levels appear broadly stable. In 2024–25, most respondents described themselves as**“somewhat committed” or “very committed”** to sustainability.
The 2025–26 survey shows a similar distribution, indicating no dramatic increase in self-reported commitment despite ongoing institutional efforts.
The key insights
Across both years, the story is one of strong personal behaviours and moderate awareness—but limited deep engagement. Staff continue to act sustainably in their daily lives, and awareness of initiatives is gradually improving. However, the persistent gap between knowing and actively engaging suggests the next phase of progress will depend on:
- clearer communication of impact
- easier access to schemes
- stronger incentives and relevance to day-to-day work
In short, the University has built a solid foundation of sustainability-aware staff—but unlocking higher engagement remains the critical opportunity. The development of the Community of Practice should help.
