Ways to get involved

Climate Fresk

You can join a 3-hour interactive workshop on campus to learn about the fundamentals of climate change and empower you to take action. We offer sessions to students, staff, and anyone in the Bournemouth community. If you're a student, ask your lecturers if this workshop can be integrated into your course! If you are interested in the Climate Fresk workshop please email [email protected]. 

You can find out more about the Climate Fresk by visiting their website. The next Climate Fresk for students will take place in November - sign up here!

Become Carbon Literate

Climate change is widely recognised as one of the greatest, and most urgent, challenges facing humankind. This challenge has been recognised internationally, within the UK, and within Bournemouth. Our free Carbon Literacy course will give you an overview of the basic science of climate change as well as an understanding of the actions required by governments, businesses, universities and individuals in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and set us on a path towards a more sustainable future.

In 2024, Bournemouth University accredited as a Carbon Literate Educator (CLE). This highlights our commitment to embedding climate education and action into our institution, and to facilitating a cultural shift towards a zero-carbon society. Watch this video to hear some examples of meaningful action that has been taken as a result of the Carbon Literacy training at BU!

The course consists of two three-hour sessions and self-study before you become certified Carbon Literate. We run the trainings termly for students and staff. We also accept alumni and local community members so if you are interested, please email [email protected] 

The next Carbon Literacy training for students will take place in November - sign up here!

Achieving a net zero emissions future is only achievable through a multi-layered approach of innovation, education and communication. To drive innovation, BU have partnered with Santander to support the next generation of eco-entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to reality or grow their businesses.

• Do you have a business or an idea with an environmental benefit? This could be anything from a product that can help reduce emissions or a business that helps people connect to nature.
• Are you passionate enough to make it a reality or grow it to the next level?
• Are you a BU current student or within 3 years of your graduation from BU?
• Is your idea well thought through, viable and have the potential to make a difference to an environment or climate problem?

If so, you are invited to apply for the Eco Entrepreneur Fund and win up to £5000 towards your business or idea.

Shortlisted entrants will get the opportunity to present their business or idea to judges who have experience of developing ideas which will help address environmental problems.

Why should you apply?

Climate change is recognised as the most important issue facing our planet today. In October 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) confirmed that “climate change is an imminent threat to the health of our planet, our livelihoods, our well-being, and all other species sharing this world with us”, and that we must act rapidly to achieve the Paris Agreement target of keeping increases in average global temperatures below 1.5°C.

Our Climate and Ecological Crisis Action Plan (CECAP) lays out our commitment to achieving net zero emissions across all of our operations by 2030/31. In order to reduce our carbon emissions and reach net zero emissions we need innovation, creativity and partnership to make progress. The BU Eco Entrepreneurs Fund could help you make a big impact. 

Previous winners:

• Read about our 2022 winners
• Read about our 2023 winners

Did you know BU is one of only three 3-star Fairtrade University's in the country? Read more about our commitment to Fairtrade.

Every year we host Fairtrade Fortnight in February in collaboration with AUB.

In 2024, we hosted a Fairtrade 'Week' in February, given that Fairtrade Fortnight has now moved to September. Look out for upcoming Fairtrade events in September 2024! This Fairtrade Week, we hosted a film screening of 'The True Cost' - a documentary on the implications of fast fashion. Chartwells (our catering provider) ran a Fairtrade themed Social Kitchen, and a free fruit Fairtrade Friday! However, this Fairtrade Week we placed a large focus on embedding Fairtrade into education. For example, the BU Sustainability Team, the BU Fairtrade academic lead, an the Education Campaigning Manager form Fairtrade Foundation hosted an event for BU academics about embedding Fairtrade into research and education,. As part of the Business Schools 'Reboot Week', the BU Sustainability Team gave a talk for the students about embedding Fairtrade into careers.

In 2023, we hosted a variety of events both online and in-person, including an online Big Fairtrade Get Together, and film night followed by a discussion, and a Fairtrade Food Share campaign. We had Tony's Chocolonely come onto campus to deliver a talk about Fairtrade chocolate, and hosted a Great Fairtrade Bake-off, and Fairtrade Pastry Making Class, and a Fairtrade themed social kitchen. Chartwells also ran a free fruit Fairtrade Friday!  We also participated in the Climate Justice Debate Challenge!

This was a national one-day skills building competition. It was a chance for 4 BU students to:

• Work across disciplines and network with other students from different courses and universities from across the country;
• Learn about and be able to critically analyse and holistically review global challenges and solutions;
• Develop transferable career skills in an interdisciplinary, innovative, and fast-paced environment;
• Gain skills in debating, teamwork and communication before taking part in a debate against another university team;
• Win the Challenge for Bournemouth University!

The Challenge took place on Saturday 3 December, 9:30am - 5:30pm at Middlesex University London.

During this, students attended interactive sessions led by industry and sector experts to learn about key topics relevant to the motion, including Fairtrade and climate resilience, as well as a workshop on debating skills, communication and teamwork. In the afternoon, all participants worked within their team, with the support of mentors, to prepare a ‘For’ or ‘Against’ argument on the agreed motion, which was revealed on the day. The day closed with each team competing in a Debate against another University in front of peers and a panel of judges. 

Every year we host a Climate Action Week during March.

In 2024, in collaboration with SUBU we delivered a range of events for students and staff, including a Climate Fresk workshop for students enrolled on the 'Leading and Managing Change in Socially Responsible Organisations', a book mark stamping workshop using seed paper, a 'Student Owned Business Fair', and a vintage clothing fair. We hosted a Climate Assembly on Plastic & Waste to gather staff and student feedback, and hosted an event called 'Exploring Climate Action', which involved an open discussion between the BU Sustainability Team, local environmental groups, and BU academics and students.We also ran a 'Sustainability Day' for 148 year 8 pupils from Ferndown Middle School to showcase our commitment and practices in sustainability across all four faculties at BU. This included guest a campus tour, guest speakers from each faculty, and a panel discussion at the end!

In 2023 we rolled out our first Climate Fresk workshops for staff and students, continued our Carbon Literacy training and held a Climate Assembly focusing on food and waste on campus. 

In 2021, we ran 10 events and engaged with more than 350 staff, students and community members. Topics ranged from conservation to the Feminist Green New Deal and events we hosted included a panel event, climate cafe and an eco-anxiety workshop. We also hosted our bi-annual Climate Assembly's to ensure that staff and student involvement is at the heart of our sustainability and CECAP action.

SUBUs Green Week

In November, we collaborate with SUBU to host a Green Week on campus!

To read about what we got up during Green Week in 2023, read this terrific article written by one of our placement students!

In 2022, we kicked off the week with our 'Bin It to Win It' competition, where students could win a prize for recycling right. On the Tuesday, students had the opportunity to meet local wildlife and conservation charities. On Wednesday, our 'Pot-a-Plant' event helped students to become 'plant-parents' by teaching them how to plant and nurture different herbs and spices. Cooking was the theme for Thursday. Our 'Cook Once, Eat Twice' event involved a useful cooking demonstration full of guidance on student-friendly meal prepping. We wrapped up Green Week with the Beryl Sustainable Travel Challenge, where students could learn about the benefits of active travel and have some fun with the Beryl Bikes!

We want staff and students to help us develop and monitor our approach to carbon management. In our CECAP we committed to offering two Climate Assemblies per year. These are a chance for anyone in our BU community to learn about, feed into and shape our actions. Anyone can attend the Climate Assemblies.

The next Climate Assembly will take place in November - sign up to attend here!

Each one will focuses on important topics in the CECAP. In 2024, we ran one on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), where we aimed to connect students with academics to share ideas on what students want to be learning at BU with relation to sustainable development, and in what format. Academics also shared the challenges they faced in embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals into their teaching. Key recommendations from the assembly included the importance of conveying the relevance of sustainability to students future careers, and opportunities for students to enhance their employability. 

We also hosted a climate assembly on Plastic and Waste in 2024, which was attended by students, staff, our catering providers, and our waste contractor SUEZ. The Sustainability team first covered our targets for waste at BU, our policies, initiatives, progress, and challenges. Attendees of the assembly were then asked to discuss solutions to these challenges. Key recommendations included communicating that water from refill points is safe to drink, to review data from open days to reduce single use plastic produced on these days, and to use social media to boost engagement.

In 2023, we covered Heat Decarbonisation, where we involved students and staff in developing our Heat Decarbonisation Plan. This is our approach to moving away from fossil fuel gas to electrically powered heating, which is lower carbon and can be powered by more renewables. We also focused on food on campus and the links with waste production. In 2022 we explored Biodiversity and nature-based solutions, including a talk by our Professor Rick Stafford. Previous topics have explored Active Travel, Offsetting and Communications. 

If you have ideas of topics please let us know by emailing [email protected]. 

Our Sustainability Council is a group of students committed to attending these Climate Assemblies and providing a more regular stream of feedback. The volunteer opportunity requires around 2 hours of commitment in terms 1 and 2. If you are interested, please sign up via the SUBU Volunteer Hub.

We really encourage student participation on our Steering Groups. Currently, we have spots for student representatives on the following:

• Fairtrade Steering Group
• Biodiversity Group
• CECAP Group
• Sustainable IT Group

If you want to share the student voice, develop your skills and networks and influence decisions of the university, contact us at [email protected].

The BU Sustainability Team host a range of student volunteers across the year. All current opportunities can be found on the SUBU Volunteering Portal.

We are always looking for students to volunteer to help plant trees on campus. In November 2023 we will be planting hedgerow saplings which have been kindly donated to BU by the Woodland Trust. These trees will support the natural development of our Chapel Gate Sports campus. 

If you would like to get involved check out volunteering opportunities through SUBU. Or email [email protected] for latest opportunities. 

Student-led societies are a great way to explore your interests, develop your skills and find a fantastic new community to become part of. There are many sustainability-focused societies within SUBU, addressing all areas of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Are you feeling green-fingered? Consider Campus Collective - the society has its own allotment to grow, which it meets to tend to each week. Are you wanting some tasty recipes? The Reducetarian Society always has some on hand! Every club and society plays its part in being sustainable. If you feel yours isn't doing enough, start the action!

View the full list of clubs and societies.

SPROUT PGR Sustainability Collective

Are you a PGR and passionate about sustainability? Are you interested in integrating sustainability into your research? Join the SPROUT PGR Sustainability Collective!

In collaboration with Newcastle University and Cardiff University, BU has developed a new postgraduate researcher network, which will bring together and support postgraduate researchers (PGRs), those pursuing a Master’s degree, and early career researchers (ECRs) who are interested in integrating sustainability into their research for greater impact. 

By joining this network, you will have the opportunity to meet like-minded and passionate individuals, develop your understanding of sustainability, discover collaboration opportunities with other PGRs, and increase your awareness of sustainability’s contribution to employability and funding opportunities.

If you are interested in joining the SPOUT PGR network, please email [email protected]

Students at BU have on numerous occasions raised issues to the University and created change. 

One particularly great success story is the student campaigning that led to BU divesting entirely from fossil fuels investments. Action by a group of BU students as part of a national People & Planet campaign resulted in the University reviewing our Ethical Investment Policy and choosing to fully divest from all fossil fuels.

During a national campaign, students shared and supported a national petition against Barclays support of the fracking company Third Energy. The campaign gathered wide support within BU and nationwide and led to Barclays withdrawing their financing of the fracking company.

​If you're wanting to campaign, follow these tips:

• Do your research first: don't spend your time campaigning for something we already do! Find out exactly what the current situation is before you look to change it. If you have any questions, the Sustainability Team, SUBU and all other staff members will be happy to help you find out. 
• Join the national movement: People & Planet and NUS are two examples of the organisations that exist to create campaigns for you to join in on, and that provide the resources for you to improve your skills and contacts within and beyond BU.
• Be represented at SUBU: if you're looking at a campaign, see if SUBU know of other students interested, and collaborate with them to make your action more fun and more impactful! 
• Look after your wellbeing: campaigning for change requires a lot of passion and energy. You may face setbacks so make sure to prioritise your wellbeing, celebrate the small wins and remember you're not alone!

Any new students living in halls can also get involved with the wide range of sustainable events and activities delivered by ResLife, including halls-led community gardens, bike rides to local nature reserves and eco-crafting. Check out the ResLifeBU page to find out more. 

All new students at BU will receive information about sustainability on the arrivals page on our website, in their welcome book for their accommodation, and are given a Mighty Big Sustainability Guide (pdf, 1.7mb). Our Sustainability Team and societies also attend Freshers Fair and love to hear from new students on their sustainability ideas. 

Do you have a great idea for how you can improve BU through your assignment? Do you want to use the university as a test-bed for research? Whether you want to design a piece of equipment, analyse our data to test a new idea, support the management of an event or even create a new catering menu, Living Labs is an opportunity for you to apply your assignment to improving our university.

Previous Living Labs projects have included a project to increase abundance and biodiversity of birds on campus. The student committed to filling the bird feeders on campus regularly with different feed types, and recorded the number of birds observed and the species. The outcome was extremely positive, the student said "as well as blue tits, great tits and coal tits, there has been some nuthatches and finches too." The Sustainability Team have since installed additional bird feeders and a bird bath on campus. Another project was a Masters assignment assessing the feasibility of us adopting an electric bus fleet, which was used by the BCP Council. Another student-designed and delivered a vegan range of products for our caterers which has been rolled out across the country. What is your idea? 

Take a look at the project options on our Academic opportunities page to get started.

The Student Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU) define sustainability as a focus on what we can do now for our present students to protect the future for incoming students; ensuring that our actions and events have a positive impact on the environment and the future of our campus, the local community and the global environment.

Read more about SUBU's sustainability commitments.

Sustainability Screenings is a BU initiative designed to educate and inspire BU students, staff, and the local community about contemporary sustainability challenges through film. On Wednesday 27 November, we launching this new initiative with a screening of Six Inches of Soil. This inspiring film explores the potential of regenerative agriculture, and tells the story of three new British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food.

Following the film screening, there will be a panel discussion where you will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions to some inspiring and influential people in this area, including:

• Claire Mackenzie – Producer of the film Six Inches of Soil
• Michael French – Founder of the Grounded Community charity in Boscombe
• Clyde Jones – Advisor at the Soil Association
• George Holmes – Director of Arla

This event is open to the public, and all BU students and staff. Reserve your spot here.

Climate change is widely recognised as one of the greatest, and most urgent, challenges facing humankind. This challenge has been recognised internationally, within the UK, and Bournemouth. Our Carbon Literacy course is free for staff and students will give you an overview of the basic science of climate change as well as an understanding of the actions required by governments, businesses, universities and individuals in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and set us on a path towards a more sustainable future.

In 2024, Bournemouth University accredited as a Carbon Literate Educator (CLE). This highlights our commitment to embedding climate education and action into our institution, and to facilitating a cultural shift towards a zero-carbon society. Watch this video to hear some examples of meaningful action that has been taken as a result of the Carbon Literacy training at BU!

The course consists of two three-hour sessions and self-study before you become certified Carbon Literate. We run the trainings termly, however we are also encouraging staff at BU to integrate the Carbon Literacy training into their course content. If you are interested in the Carbon Literacy training, please email [email protected]

The next round of Carbon Literacy training for BU staff will be taking place in October - sign up here!

In 2023 we introduced a new workshop style course called Climate Fresk. This is a fun, collaborative way to learn about the causes and consequences of climate change and is science based. If you would like to offer this to your students please get in touch with the Sustainability Team and we can support you to deliver this workshop and explore becoming a Climate Fresk facilitator.

We have set up the Sustainability Academic Network Steering Group, which is comprised of faculty leads and representatives from every academic department in BU. The faculty leads report directly to the Sustainability Committee and lead on embedding sustainable development in our education and research across BU. If you are interested in becoming a departmental representative, join the Sustainability Academic Network Steering Group!

The Sustainability Academic Network is a space for all academics to share best practice and learn about introducing and embedding ESD into their teaching. The network of over 60 staff from across Faculties is welcome to all. If you are a member of staff and looking for ways to embed sustainability into your teaching and professional practice, join the Sustainability Academic Network!

We can all take action for sustainability, but sometimes we need a little support. If you have knowledge, passion or just want to see more happening, become a Sustainability Champion in your team, department or Faculty. If you want some support or resources, get in touch with our team at [email protected]. 

The Spot the Drop campaign aims to minimise our water wastage by spotting and stopping leaking toilets, urinals and taps across our two campuses. If you find a leak around our sites, email the Estates Helpdesk about what is leaking and where it is in as much detail as possible so they can arrange for it to be fixed. 

All new staff at BU attend an induction event which the Sustainability Team attends to explain about the importance of sustainability both at BU and in the wider community, what we do at BU to improve our environmental performance and, most importantly, how you can get involved! More information can be found on the staff induction checklist and our Mighty Big Sustainability Guide (pdf, 1.7mb), but please come and say hello and meet the team!

In 2021, we launched our first 'Inspired by Nature' art competition. Open to staff, students and their families, we received fantastic entries that showed and encouraged a connection to nature. Our winner, Natalie Dear, took inspiration from a safari trip and her feelings around poaching. You can see all the amazing entries from 2021 in this virtual gallery.

In 2024, we displayed the submissions from the nature art competition in one of our galleries on campus. The winner for 2024, Zoe Deacon, produced a beautiful painting of a bee on a flower, titled 'Bee Kind to the Environment'.

Trade Union representatives are members on our committees overseeing sustainability and are mentioned on the terms of reference for these groups. This includes:

• Sustainability Committee
• Biodiversity Committee
• Travel Plan Group

We would like to thank all our trade union members for their valued input into our committee meetings. If other members would like to find out more and how to get involved please email: [email protected]. We have opportunities to join other groups including the Sustainable IT group, Fairtrade group and the CECAP group. 

Net Zero Teams is a certification which starts with you and your team at BU making a collective commitment to reduce your environmental impact. This is followed by the completion of up to 35 activities, achieving up to 100 points, and becoming either a Bronze, Silver, or Gold certified team.

The activities are categorised into the following themes to align with our Climate & Ecological Crisis Action Plan (CECAP), and to help you take action across key emissions areas and to support structured departmental action and fun events. 

• Lead: inspired by our CECAP's 'Lead by Example' theme, these activities create structures for your team to effectively reduce emissions and inspire action.
• Energy: activities that help you to save energy.
• Travel: activities that help you to save emissions from business travel and commuting.
• Stuff: activities that help you to save emissions from everything you buy, use, and dispose of.
• Food: activities that help you to save emissions from food.
• Connect: inspired by our CECAP's 'Community Action' theme, these activities encourage you to collaborate and have fun!

Join the Net Zero Teams certification to supports BU in achieving its sustainability objectives, and if you have any questions please email [email protected]

Sustainability Screenings is a BU initiative designed to educate and inspire BU students, staff, and the local community about contemporary sustainability challenges through film. On Wednesday 27 November, we launching this new initiative with a screening of Six Inches of Soil. This inspiring film explores the potential of regenerative agriculture, and tells the story of three new British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food.

Following the film screening, there will be a panel discussion where you will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions to some inspiring and influential people in this area, including:

Claire Mackenzie – Producer of the film Six Inches of Soil
Michael French – Founder of the Grounded Community charity in Boscombe
Clyde Jones – Advisor at the Soil Association
George Holmes – Director of Arla

This event is open to the public, and all BU students and staff. Reserve your spot here.

Our vision is for BU academics to be heavily involved with future Sustainability Screenings events to use as a platform for sharing research, and for enriching the student curriculum. If you are a BU academic and you would like to be involved in organising future screening events, or if you have an idea for an inspiring film to add this series, please contact [email protected] 

We encourage our community to use the circle of control model to keep track of how your actions can make a difference. Focus on what you control – such as what you buy, what you eat, how you choose to travel and local groups you can be part of. Then focus on who and what you can influence - your circle of friends, family, petitions to sign – simply by raising your voice.

With sustainability, it can be easy to fall into the trap of the circle of concern – which includes the things we worry about, such as the climate and ecological crisis, but that are too big, and often overwhelming, for us to solve single-handedly.

When you think about how to act, remember that you have two tools: your choice and your voice. It’s also important to remember that we are all in this together and you are supported: you can contact the Sustainability Team at [email protected] to talk about what we can do together, or if your concern is impacting your health and wellbeing, find information on support offered by BU. 

We seek to listen to the views of all members of the BU community to ensure that our action in this global challenge is collaborative, catering for and supporting everyone. At the same time, we will continue to collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders, in particular with BCP and Dorset Councils who have declared Climate Emergencies. We will also seek opportunities to work in partnership with other groups, such as the EAUC, AUDE, Dorset LEP, Aldersgate Group and COP26 Universities group. 

Within our Climate and Ecological Crisis Action Plan, we have the following recommendations to guide our engagement work: 

• Implement a staff and student charter 
• Implement an annual CECAP communication plan 
• Reward staff and students for taking positive action for the environment 
• Engage with suppliers on their net-zero aspirations 
• Continue to use technology to support new ways of working remotely 
• Introduce staff and student development programmes, such as carbon literacy and climate resilience 
• Continue staff and student engagement programmes 

We are currently developing  our student and staff sustainability communications strategy for the next academic year. For next year, our engagement targets will include:

• Training a proportion of the BU community to become Carbon Literate
• Hosting at least one event per month to support and empower students and staff to take climate action
• Running a student volunteer scheme to champion sustainability
• Achieving impactful action through staff schemes

The Designs For Your Future Challenge is giving secondary school students the opportunity to solve real-world problems with their ideas. Our Challenge combines sustainability with design to create a product that will have a lasting positive impact on our planet and people.

In June 2021, our Sustainability Team ran a Speakers for Schools virtual Careers Insight Day for over 35 students from local schools.

During the day, students heard from and asked questions to sustainability staff from across BU and SUBU, and learnt about a range of environmental topics including energy, water, biodiversity and campaigning. They then identified their skillset for a sustainability career through a workshop delivered by the BU Careers Team.

During the afternoon, the students worked in teams to identify an opportunity for their schools to become more environmentally-sustainable. Ideas ranged from installing rainwater harvesting systems to creating a vegetable patch and were presented to BU staff who were thoroughly impressed with the students teamwork, innovation and presentation skills.

If you are interested in engaging your school with the BU Sustainability Team, please email [email protected].

As a university, we are fortunate to have a lot of resources and expertise, so we hope to support and collaborate with local organisations as much as possible to share best practice and good work.

Some of the collaborations we're currently working on include:

• Working closely with the sustainability team at University Hospitals Dorset
• Meeting regularly with BCP Council
• Supporting Bournemouth & Poole College's sustainability strategy and action
• Establishing a Local Climate Partnership to support our region to reach net zero
• Research collaborations with business through our research centres

In March 2024, we hosted a Sustainability Day for 148 Year 8 pupils from a local school. The day began with a tour of our campus lead by the Sustainability Team to show the students our on-site low-carbon technologies, our bus hub, and the biodome. This was followed by four engaging mini-lectures on different sustainability topics, including a talk on sustainable fashion (given by the Business School), sustainable food (given by the Faculty of Health and Social Science), sustainability and computing (given by the Faculty of Science and Technology) and sustainable media production (given by the Faculty of Media and Communications). We rounded off the day with a panel discussion involving all four faculties, the sustainability team, and the student sustainability council. Feedback from the pupils and their teachers suggests the day proved to be a highly educational and inspiring event! 

If you would like to offer a 'Sustainability Day' for your school, please email [email protected]