Words by Heather Sykes, Creative Writing and Illustration Student. Graphs by Aleksandr Mäeots, Film Production Student.
Survey Highlights
In 2020 the university asked students and staff about sustainability knowledge and awareness, this is a longitudinal study going back a number of years so we can view trends. Here we take a look at a few key points from the latest data.
We were pleased to find for the most part that awareness of on-campus sustainability measures was not hugely deteriorated due to the pandemic. Almost all of our figures reflect more sustainable behaviours at the university, compared to previous years.
Covid-19 has had a large impact on our student body and our behaviours. So, it is encouraging to know that the information is still getting out to students.
Worcester’s Awareness of The Sustainable Development Goals has Increased
Our SDG’s (Sustainability Development Goals) are becoming more well known, as students are starting to hear more and know more about these goals.
There are 17 SDGs that the university is working towards. They aren’t solely focused on environmental goals, instead, we also look at the social and economic side of university life. This is because the best way to enable and ensure a greener future is by allowing everyone to have access to a sustainable way of living.
Students’ Awareness of Sustainability is on the Increase
Awareness of SDGs:
Students are increasingly becoming aware of our sustainability development goals. We have seen a rise by 11% of students claiming to know a fair amount about them. Last year, only 16% of responses selected to know a fair amount, to a lot about our SDGs. Whereas this year, it has risen to 27%. We would love to see these figures climb even higher. So, if you are interested, have a read of Worcester Students’ Union have a fact sheet SDG page.
A Mixed Result for Sustainability Focussed Devices for Students
Use of Sustainable Devices:
As shown in the graph above, the number of ways students can be supported in living sustainably varies. At 85%, recycling bins were unsurprisingly the most common listed item. Only 11% of responses claimed to have indoor light motion sensors. 65% have a programable thermostat and 24% have water-saving devices. We understand that these differences could be due to the increased number of students living in shared student houses rather than in university halls or at home.
Walking to Relax is on the Increase for Students
Walking to Relax:
A habit from lockdown tracked in the surveys is walking. It is great to see more students staying active and taking regular walks in nature to relax. This rise has moved from 44% of students to 61%. It is a great act of sustainability. As it is not a habit that increases our carbon footprints.
Walking is a brilliant habit we encourage in Worcester, especially the walk between our St Johns and City campuses. Taking 15 minutes to stroll between campuses can be a great way to fit in regular light exercise during the busy life of a student.
Staff Awareness of Sustainability is on the Increase
Awareness of SDGs:
Graph comparing figures from 2020 to 2021 by Aleksandr Mäeots
With efforts to push our sustainability development goals beyond SusThingsOut, through embedding them into the curriculum and further activities, we are seeing a rise in staff awareness. 26% of staff felt they knew a fair amount about our SDGs compared to just 20% last year.
A Mixed Result for Sustainability Focussed Devices for Staff
Use of Sustainable Devices:
Almost all of our staff have a recycling bin at home, only 2% without. Staff are also racing ahead with 89% owning a programmable thermostat. And 10% more staff have water-saving devices than students. These differences between staff and students are expected as student living is often not a permanent place of residence and the income of a student is typically much smaller.
However, students and staff are level with only 11% owning Indoor light motion sensors.
Walking to Relax is on the Increase for Staff
Walking to Relax:
There has also been a great improvement in walking among staff. With 71% claiming they walk regularly to relax, as opposed to just 59% before. The university mile has been used more too! If you’re not familiar with this, have a look at one of our university maps of the St Johns campus. Walking this route is a great way to clock how far you are going!
Overall, it is fair to say that the work put in by many to increase knowledge and awareness is paying off, even with the challenges from the pandemic. Both staff and students are learning and growing. We can be proud of this progress and aim for even more growth for the future.
If you are interested in reading the full report, please see the link below.
