The National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund has handed £1.25 million to a
student group to help bridge a vital gap for students moving to higher
education.
That’s a pivotal moment, Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK)
says, when many students
move into private rented accommodation.
The group’s work is also targeted at helping student landlords deliver
energy-efficient properties for their tenants.
The cash will empower students to become environmental trailblazers by
fostering eco-conscious practices.
Improve student environmental literacy
Joanna Romanowicz, the charity’s director of engagement, says that
instilling a sense of environmental urgency among the student population is
crucial to achieving energy sustainability.
She said: “Students and education settings are key if we want to improve
our sense of environmental and energy literacy.
“Our vision is that we want students to leave education with the solutions
to climate crisis, and not the problem!
“Therefore, improving their sense of environmental and energy literacy is
critical in this.”
She adds: “Engaging students about energy efficiency during major moments
of change in their lives, such as moving away from their childhood home and
living independently for the first time, can have a critical impact on
their future habits.”
Revolutionise the student housing sector
Through its Student Energy Action for Life (SEAL) project, SOS-UK aims to
revolutionise the student housing sector over the next five years.
The initiative will provide tailored, peer-to-peer guidance to help
students navigate energy systems, make sustainable choices and manage costs
amid rising energy prices predicted for 2025.
Research by SOS-UK reveals that 54% of students claim to have encountered
damp or mould in their homes, 59% have felt uncomfortably cold and 48%
report anxiety or depression due to poor living conditions.
SEAL will address these issues by offering resources to make informed,
eco-friendly decisions, fostering habits that benefit both the environment
and students’ wellbeing.
The programme also targets student landlords, offering education and
support to improve energy efficiency in rental properties.
By encouraging upgrades,
SEAL
hopes to see carbon emissions fall and living standards being boosted across
the student accommodation sector, creating a lasting impact.
Equip young people with knowledge
A previous SOS-UK project demonstrated the potential for change, with 1,700
students participating in peer-to-peer home energy audits.
Of those, 94% gained a deeper understanding of domestic energy use, 91%
altered their consumption habits and 88% felt more confident advocating for
sustainable practices.
Ms Romanowicz expressed gratitude for the support: “We are very thankful to
have received funding through the National Lottery and are excited about
what transformational changes the project will bring.”
The charity will also be collaborating with schools, universities and
National Energy Action, the fuel poverty charity, to equip young people
with the tools to champion sustainability.
Student landlords access advice
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said:
“By engaging with SOS-UK, student landlords can access expert advice and
resources to boost energy efficiency and address issues like damp and
mould.
“Let’s face it, upgrading student properties to meet green standards isn’t
just about EPC compliance, it’s something that growing numbers of student
tenants will be looking for.”
He added: “This project will help landlords to reduce their carbon
footprints while creating healthier, more affordable homes.
“It will also help student finances with the prospect of increasing energy
prices this year.”
