University of Worcester
Student Voice and Co Creation for Sustainable Impact: A Scalable Whole Institution Model
Finalist, Creating Impact
About
The University of Worcester delivers sector-leading impact through a low-cost, scalable model that embeds sustainability across the curriculum, campus, and community through student co-creation. Strong civic partnerships with local authorities and community organisations extend impact beyond campus. This integrated, student-led approach delivers environmental, social and economic value while providing a highly transferable model for sector-wide adoption aligned to the SDGs. Our lean governance structure has a low resource requirement, a small central team, and is supported by around 60 students' ‘earn as you learn’ posts. We use existing staff and student networks rather than a large, dedicated team. We rely on a collaborative, holistic approach, using standard frameworks such as ISO 14001, SOS programmes, and the SDG Accord, rather than bespoke systems. We run large-scale behaviour change programmes with minimal budgets, prioritising volunteers over paid staff. High engagement and measurable behaviour change were achieved without significant funding. We’ve been tracking impact and outcomes by publishing independently audited annual reports for 17 years.
Top 3 learnings
- We learned co-creation with students drives sustained, institution-wide change.
- We learned circular, low-cost approaches can deliver scalable high-impact outcomes.
- We learned partnerships amplify impact across campus, curriculum and community.
What it means to win
At the University of Worcester we are deeply committed to environmental sustainability. Winning this Green Gown Award is a true accolade and vital recognition of just how valuable and dynamic our students’ and staff work is in this crucial field. The Green Gown will spur us to do still more.
Sustainable Development Goals
| 2026 | |
| Creating Impact | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
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