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Welcome (or welcome back!) to Liverpool! As you settle into the new academic year, we’re here to help you discover all the ways you can make sustainability a fundamental part of your student experience. We’ve created opportunities that make it easy for you to find practical ways to live sustainably, connect with others, and get involved with projects that have a real impact both on campus and in the local community.
Our sustainable commitment
The University is actively advancing its role in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development. As a signatory of the SDG Accord, we embed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across our research, education and campus operations, ensuring sustainability is an integral part of #TeamLivUni life. Last academic year, we launched our new Sustainability Strategy and our first ever Biodiversity Plan, providing a clear roadmap for transforming ambition into action and driving both social and environmental sustainability initiatives in line with Liverpool 2031. We also launched our Living Labs programme, and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research (ICSR) was established, strengthening our research and collaboration on some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. But it doesn’t stop there! This academic year will see the launch of a new Travel Plan, and Energy Strategy, developed to improve energy efficiency, strengthen resilience, explore partnership opportunities and support the University’s decarbonisation targets across the estate.
Get involved
Whether you’re new to Liverpool or back for another year, there are plenty of simple, welcoming ways to start your sustainability journey – with no experience needed! You can dip your toe in with easy, everyday actions, or get involved with the bigger projects we have to offer, all while meeting new people and finding what works for you. Take a look at our guide below to see the different sustainability opportunities waiting for you this year.
1. Welcome Week: Meet the Sustainability Team
The best place to begin exploring sustainability on campus is at the Here to Help Hub, Crown Place during Welcome Week. Come down and meet with the University’s Sustainability Team at Tent 5 on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th September, 11am – 3pm. We’ll share practical tips for living more sustainably at university, introduce you to projects and events happening this year, and help you discover ways to get involved. You can also chat with us about what goes on behind the scenes, from enhancing biodiversity to improving energy efficiency, making labs greener or driving social sustainability initiatives that make our community fairer and more inclusive. Test your carbon literacy with our ‘How bad are bananas game’ and yes, you may even leave with a few freebies!
Also part of the week, don’t miss a visit to the Queen of Greens greengrocer, who will be outside the Sydney Jones Library on Thursday 18th September 9:30am – 11:45am, offering fresh and affordable produce.
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2. Explore the Student Sustainability Hub
The Student Sustainability Hub is your go-to space for all things sustainability at Liverpool. Whether you're looking to join a sustainability related society, volunteer, build green career skills, discover low-impact lifestyle tips, or connect with like-minded students, the Hub brings it all together in one place. It’s also home to the award-winning Sustainability in Action online course, which offers a dynamic introduction to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), packed with interactive content and practical activities. By completing the short assessments, you will earn HEAR accreditation, which appears on your final degree certificate and is recognised by employers. You can access the module via your Canvas dashboard or under your Courses tab.
3. Join us at Sustainability Week
Each year during Feel Good February, the University and Guild of Students come together with staff and students to host Sustainability Week – a celebration of climate action, community, and everyday choices that make a difference. The week features a packed programme of free events and activities, from swap shops and recycling workshops to expert-led talks, film screenings, and even cycling events. Last year, our flagship Sustainability Fair was a hub for connection and collaboration, offering opportunities to network with local organisations, academics, societies, and campus initiatives – all united by a shared commitment to sustainability. Stay tuned for updates on what is to come in 2026!
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4. Sustainable Halls
The Sustainable Halls programme helps students living in university accommodation build practical habits that reduce waste, save energy and make the most of what they already have. It begins with the Sustainable Halls launch event on Thursday 25th September, giving you the chance to meet the team, hear what's planned, and how you can get involved. Throughout the year, you’ll find events like microgreen growing workshops, sewing socials, beeswax wrap making, quizzes, and cooking workshops – all designed to help you live more sustainability and connect with others in your halls community. Keep an eye on the Guild’s event page for updates.
5. Buy Fairtrade
In June, the University of Liverpool was awarded Fairtrade University Status as part of the national Fairtrade University and College Award. This recognition, delivered by the Fairtrade Foundation and SOS-UK, celebrates the University’s commitment to ethical sourcing, fair working conditions, and sustainability across campus. As you settle into campus life, keep an eye out for the Fairtrade logo in cafes, shops and restaurants. If you’re grabbing a Grumpy Mule coffee in the Guild or buying snacks, choosing Fairtrade helps support farmers and workers around the world. Learn more on our Fairtrade webpages.
6. Gardening with the Guild: Harvest Cooking Session
Join the Guild of Students on Wednesday 24th September, from 12-2pm for a special edition of Gardening with the Guild. This harvest themed session invites you to enjoy a warming bowl of soup made from produce grown right here on campus. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space to meet other volunteers, while learning simple cooking skills and contributing to reducing the University’s carbon footprint. Gardening gloves and tools will be provided!
7. On your bike!
Cycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint while staying active and independent. Through the Guild’s LivCycle bike hire, you can rent a bike for a semester or the full academic year. Each hire includes a secure D- lock, and free support from the friendly team at Peloton Cooperative. Peloton run the on campus Bikiosk opposite the central teaching hub, offering maintenance help, beginner-friendly rides, and city tours through the Guild’s Give it a Go scheme. Learn more here.
8. Start a sustainability student society
There are lots of student societies you can join at the University, covering everything from activism to gaming, to baking and global issues. But if you have a fresh idea that isn't yet represented, why not start your own society? Whether you’re passionate about ethical fashion, conservation, sustainable food, or low impact living, the Guild welcomes new society applications each academic year. Starting a group is a great way to connect others, run events, and make a difference on campus. Find out how to submit your application on the Guild’s Student Groups page.
9. Hedgehog friendly campus
The University of Liverpool Hedgehog Friendly Campus group brings together staff and students to protect hedgehogs on campus and in the wider community. As part of a national initiative, the group raises awareness and takes practical steps to improve habitats and reduce risks to these vulnerable animals. They are currently working towards achieving gold re-accreditation. Find out how to get involved here.
10. Enhance your green skills for future employment
Looking to build a career with impact? Handshake is the University’s career platform, trusted by over 900 universities and connecting students with a global network of employers – including many focused-on sustainability. It's your starting point for exclusive green jobs and internships, with access to virtual and on-campus career events, 1-1 chats with employers in the sustainability sector, and tailored resources to help you take the next step. Your account is automatically set up, just activate it and start exploring!
11. Leave Liverpool Tidy: Don't dump it, donate it!
Each summer, as students prepare to move house or leave the city, the Guild teams up with Halls of Residence and Liverpool Student Homes to run Leave Liverpool Tidy – reuse and donation campaign that helps reduce waste and support local charities. When the time comes, if you've got items you no longer need like clothes, kitchenware, home decor, or unopened tins of food, simply pack them in a reusable bag and drop them off at our designated donation points across campus, Kensington, or Smithdown. Find out more about Leave Liverpool Tidy here.
12. Visit Ness Gardens
Whether you’re joining the Guild’s trip on Friday 24th October, or heading out on your own, Ness Botanic Gardens is a must visit for anyone interested in nature, biodiversity, and sustainability. Located on the Wirral Peninsula, the gardens showcase plant life from around the world and offer a peaceful place to escape city noise. The site also features a cafe, gift shop, and plant nursery – perfect for picking up seedlings to bring home! You can visit anytime, but if you’d like to join the Guild’s organised trip with free entry and transport, book your ticket here.
Find out more
Want to stay in the loop with our latest initiatives and progress? Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Bluesky and TikTok, or visit our website to learn more about our commitments and achievements.
We’d love to hear from you! If you would like to contribute to our blog, please complete this online form. Want to know more about our work or have any questions? Please email us at sustainability@liverpool.ac.uk.