Sustainability in accommodation

Are you passionate about sustainable student life? Or maybe you want to live more sustainably but don’t know where to start?

Whether you’re a green guru or only just beginning to understand what eco-friendly really means, we have lots of exciting ways for you to be more sustainable in your accommodation.  

Become a Green Hero

Say hello to our Green Hero programme, a new initiative designed to help you champion green living in your halls. During your time with us, you’ll be given a set of tasks to choose from that help you embrace sustainable living. Every action is grounded in one of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For example, you may take on the challenge to reduce your travel carbon footprint to support goal number 11 ‘sustainable cities and communities’, or attend an Active Residences class in aid of goal number three, ‘Good health and wellbeing’.

Many of the tasks you may already be doing, and each one has been designed to be achievable in a limited amount of time. Although each action may be small, together we can make a big impact.

Once you have completed five tasks or more, you will become a certified Student Living Green Hero – a great thing to add to your CV and LinkedIn profile. You will receive a certificate at the end of the academic year to showcase your commitment to sustainability.

You’ll also have the chance to take part in community volunteering and sustainability campaigns, and even introduce your own initiatives to make student life in your village the best it can be. So, you won’t just be helping our community and planet – you’ll be helping yourself and your fellow students too. 

Be the change you want to see. Become a Green Hero today.

Please note that the Green Heroes programme is open to students in University accommodation only. For more information about the programme, please email greenhero@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

Get started 

Here are some examples of actions you can complete:

1. Use a food waste caddy in your accommodation

2. Calculate your flat's waste

3. Complete a water and energy checklist of your flat

4. Complete a waste checklist of your flat

5. Attend an Active Residences class

6. Time your showers (we’ll provide a shower timer)

7. Show us (or request) a flat recycling bag

8. Use a re-usable cup, water bottle, and/or lunch box

9. Attend community safety events