Our Sustainability Approach
Our approach to sustainability is holistic and values driven, rooted in responsible decision making, transparency and a commitment to positive impact. Guided by one of our core values — we are ethical — we hold ourselves accountable for how we operate and the choices we make. This spans both our membership-driven work and our services provision, ensuring consistency in how we support, engage and deliver our activities. Our focus is on long-term value — for our members, our partners and the wider community.
Sustainability at Your SU
At Your Students’ Union, we have a dedicated team of staff who volunteer their time, to make up our Sustainability Working Group. This group help to oversee all activity, policy and practices relating to sustainability at the SU. The group was formed in late 2025, and are currently working on establishing a roadmap of goals and activity. A draft roadmap is attached, outlining areas of focus for our students, and our staff.
Members of the Working Group are listed below
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Senior Management Leads
- John Abell - CEO
- Mikey Lappin - Director of Enterprise
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Working Group Members
- Scarlet Moss - Chair
- Education Officer
- Debra Jackson
- Lucy Gardner
- Emily Long
- Isaiah Poulet
- Rachel Nafzger
We are looking for students who are passionate about sustainability, to guide our delivery. Interested in joining?
Our Sustainability Journey So Far
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June 2025
LineClenze Cleaning Solution
We implemented LineClenze, which is a sustainable and environmentally friendly line cleaning solution. This was implemented both at Westwood and Square One.
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August 2024
NSS Sustainability Charter Group
We joined the NUS Sustainability Charter group.
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April 2024
Leaf Catering Outlet
We took on our fourth and fifth catering outlets, in Alison Gingell, where we implemented Union Streat Cafe, and the Library, where we rolled out a new brand, LEAF.
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April 2024
Mile Lane Catering Outlet
We took on our third catering outlet, Mile Lane, where again, we implemented a Union Streat Kitchen provision.
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February 2023
Cost of Living
We supported Cost of Living support initiatives in collaboration with the University, offering FREE coffees and staple items at breakfast.
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January 2023
Union Streat Cafe
We took over the shipping container and implemented a cafe version of the USK, with Union Streat Cafe. This increased our purchasing and distribution of sustainable products.
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Sustainable Clothing Provider
Union Streat Cafe
We changed to a more sustainable clothing provider, offering better-sourced and sustainable options, from BluDog and JSW (the latter being recommended by NUS).
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May 2022
First catering outlet, in CU London - Union Streat Kitchen (USK).
We implemented a brand and provision where sustainability was core to the outlet.
Ways To Get Involved
There are various ways you can get involved and support sustainability activity- including submitting an event idea, supporting a campaign, undertaking our carbon literacy training course or adopting our sustainability society!
Small Swaps, Big Impact
Here are some quick and easy ways you can be more sustainable!
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Swap single-use or disposable cups/bottles for re-usable alternatives
Bring your own coffee cup or water bottle to campus- some outlets might even give you a discount for using your own utensil!
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Swap fast fashion clothing items, for second hand or clothes swaps
Why not check out some local charity shops, or keep an eye out for vintage clothing fairs!
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Swap plastic wraps or containers for reusable ones
Consider purchasing glass containers which can be re-used, or you could look at beeswax wraps to store food in instead!
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Swap meat-based meals for plant-based options
To start with- why not try reducing your meat intake one day a week? You could try plant-based meat alternatives, or a completely veggie meal. If you want to take it further there’s lots of support out there for you- why not check out Veganuary for some inspiration?
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Swap new textbooks/books for library loans, shared copies- or ask your class mates!
Why not save yourself some money, as well as the planet, by making the use of your library pass- consider using library books or ask one of your class mates, rather than purchasing a new copy!
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Swap throwing away items, for repairing or repurposing
Sew small tears, get imaginative and change items into something new, or attend a repair café!
Sustainability Events
Check out our upcoming Sustainability events and training sessions!
Did you know?
The Students’ Union and University are already taking many steps to be more sustainable, such as…
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Solar Power
We have 800 solar panels on our roof tops, which provide 100% renewable energy to help power our buildings.
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Rainwater Usage
The Hub and Frank Whittle buildings use collected rainwater for flushing toilets, supporting with water conservation.
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Sustainable Investments
University investments go to companies that meet our ethical standards, and do not invest in fossil fuel extraction.
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Edible Garden
The university has an ‘edible’, pick your own garden outside the Hub with fresh fruit and vegetables to enjoy, which is open to all!
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Charity Donations
In University halls accommodation buildings, we provide British Heart Foundation banks for individuals to be able to donate unwanted items to charity. If you have items you no longer need, consider donating them to someone in need!
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Net Zero Carbon
Coventry University are aiming for Net Zero Carbon by 2030,and they are currently carrying out work to ensure that our energy supply is from as renewable sources as possible. You can check out how we’re currently doing in the annual report.
If you’re interested in sustainability, you may want to check out the Universities Instagram dedicated to just that @covunisust!