How to encourage your university to have a better sustainable and social impact

<p>Finding a sustainable and socially-just university was key to my decision-making when choosing where to study. As an environment and business student, it was important to surround myself with people who want to make an impact on the world and society, and to know that my university is doing everything it can to make positive change.</p>

<p>We’re facing a series of unprecedented world events: climate change, poverty, inequality, food shortages and a water crisis, to name a few. It’s becoming clear to all generations that we need to find sustainable solutions to these global issues. I think I have a part to play in that as a student, and I believe my university does too.</p>

<p>I was impressed by the social and sustainable initiatives at the <a href="https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-waterloo">University of Waterloo</a> in Canada, where I study. When I researched the institution, I found comprehensive sustainability reports, sustainable and accessible architecture on campus, and initiatives like a social incubator for students to develop entrepreneurial solutions to social and environmental problems.</p>

<p>Now I’m a student, I still expect my university to continue setting a high bar with its social impact and sustainability efforts each academic year, and I want to be a part of that story.</p>

<p>As students, we have the power to hold our educational institutions to account. It doesn’t matter what degree you study, or what level you study at.</p>

<p>Here are my tips on how to encourage your university to have a better sustainable and social impact:</p>

<p>Educating yourself on how the university is committed to creating a more equal, just and sustainable world is a great place to start. Reports should be publicly available on the university website and include clear yearly targets and details of the progress already made.</p>

<p>Understanding the university’s plans to tackle various global issues can help you to see where changes are/aren’t being implemented and to come up with your own ideas.</p>

<p>Student clubs and societies are a great way to work with other students to challenge global issues and find solutions. Having a dedicated club or initiative that is led by students and actively working for positive change is one of the best ways to work directly with the university and encourage further impact.</p>

<p>If there isn’t already a student club at your university that’s focused on sustainability and social impact, you can set one up.</p>