Establishing local sustainability projects that address the UN Sustainability Development Goals

Before global disruptions and uncertainties, it is pertinent to prepare students with capabilities, and to nurture their agency, to influence change. This case examines a pilot student sustainability leadership initiative, comprising a ‘living lab’ model, and run at an English university. It engaged undergraduates, in partnership with academics, in projects they co-created to address campus and curriculum challenges. These were framed in relation to delivery of the UN Sustainability Development Goals. The model, underpinned by constructivist and experiential learning pedagogies, harnesses creativity and enthusiasm. A multi-level evaluation identified the impacts of the experience on students and academics and the outputs which delivered on key indicators of the University’s strategies. Such outcomes demonstrate the model to be effective and efficient and – in the context of limited resources – institutionally sustainable and transferable. This case is authored by the key staff and students involved.