£1.25m lottery boost for students to help deliver greener student homes
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."
