Embedding sustainability into learning
Responsible Futures Framework
The University has signed up to Responsible Futures, a whole-institution supported change programme and accreditation mark for embedding sustainability across all aspects of student learning. We recognise that education is key to influencing behavioural change in students and staff alike, which is essential if we are to stay on target for reaching Carbon Net Zero by 2030. A working group has been set up to collect evidence on and fill gaps in the sustainable education we offer. This will then be assessed by a student-led audit.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Not only do we have dedicated programmes and modules covering Environment and Sustainability, we are working to embed the SDGs and the Environment and Climate Emergency agenda across our undergraduate and taught postgraduate portfolio, as well as linking them to our research strengths. All of the SDG’s are important and embracing them within our curriculum ensures our students can understand and develop an insight into critical global issues.
The Future17 Programme
Future17 is a global initiative between the University of Exeter, QS and a consortium of leading international universities. It aims to support students to develop the skills needed to collaboratively tackle real-world challenges associated with one or more of the SDGs. Students collaborate with learners from the consortium of global partner universities in international, interdisciplinary and multicultural teams with support from professionals who help create pathways for innovative solutions.
Embedding sustainability into career development
Our Career Zone offer a number of environment and sustainability opportunities including Grand Challenges a project week in which students work in interdisciplinary groups to design innovative solutions to real world challenges, including the environment and climate emergency.
Green Consultants is an award-winning programme designed to provide students with the additional skills and experience required to work in the highly competitive environmental and sustainability sector. There are also sustainability themes that count towards the Exeter Award, an employability achievement award. They use a broad definition of sustainability, encompassing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace to recycling, waste and water audits.