The Collaboration Award
“This tackled a serious issue in a fun but meaningful way. The number of societies and organisations involved is impressive.”
Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union Sustainability Week
Why was there a desire to collaborate?
Following the declaration of the climate and environment emergency by both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter, there was a feeling amongst students that there hadn't been enough concrete action on sustainability initiatives to encourage reduction in scope 3 carbon dioxide emissions. This was made evident by research conducted through multiple SU mechanisms including qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
The open letters asking for climate and environment emergency declarations were signed by over 2,000 people in total - showcasing the demand for a step-change in approaches to sustainability.
Likewise over 20% of societies affiliated to the SU are sustainability focused. As a result of this research, the Students' Union Green Council, societies and projects orientated around sustainability, worked to create a new campaign to encourage the university community and local partners to embrace a new sustainable lifestyle.
The project worked with community and student organisations to create a holistic campaign that aimed to make Cornwall a beacon of sustainability - regardless of whether they were students, long-term residents or institutions.
So what happened?
There was a Green Fayre with society/business stalls; a clothes swap; discourse on XR with Politics Society; allotment session with Green Living Society; bin rummage and bulb/tree planting with campus staff; beach clean with the Beach Clean Project; bird-feeder making workshop with Eco Soc; litter pick with Athletics Club; repair cafe with Renewable Energy Soc; talk on 'Where we are now' following climate emergency declarations given by society leaders, the SU, lecturers, and the Universities and a climate positivity evening with organisations in the local and university community that aimed to reduce climate anxiety, over soup from the food co-op society.
What difference has been made through this collaboration?
The activity led to increased memberships in sustainability-focused societies, an increased awareness of green initiatives and the creation of a Sustainable Students' community on social media where students can share campaigns and ideas.
The collaborative nature of the campaign meant that students engaged far more in the events and celebrated the successes of student-led events and projects. It also led to the Universities committing to trialling Meat Free Mondays, as well as considering campaigns focused on eliminating single-use plastics and materials.
The feedback collected at various events throughout the campaign was also used throughout the rest of the academic year to lobby the universities to commit to sustainable change.
The campaign was able to infiltrate all areas of student life due to the huge amount of collaborations, from individuals, to community organisations, to societies and sport clubs. The campaign was also the most successful SU campaign of the year in terms of attendance and reach. It also encouraged three behavioural change activities such as a Don’t be a Mug project; an edible pathways project and reduced energy usage.
Who are the groups involved?
Penryn Produce Society; Bee Society; Sostena Theatre; ReClaim Society; FXPlus; Falmouth University; University of Exeter; Beach Clean Project; Politics Society; Wild Doc Soc; Lush Cosmetics; Green Living Society; Athletics Club; Eco Soc; Tevi; Local Bike Repair company; academics; the SU Green Council; other local businesses