University of Leicester

Student Sustainability Advisors: A curriculum innovation to develop student sustainability skills and support local enterprise

Welcome to the cutting-edge of Education for Sustainable Development! The Sustainability Enterprise Partnership Project (SEPP) module is an innovative, credit-bearing course where student "Sustainability Advisors" from various disciplines across the University collaborate with local businesses to tackle pressing sustainability challenges head-on.

This ground-breaking module is earning rave reviews from students and businesses alike for its hands-on, real-world impact. With plans to expand access to students from all possible subject areas in the coming years, SEPP is turning sustainability passion into actionable solutions.

Empowering students to lead interdisciplinary initiatives, SEPP is setting the standard for real-world ESD approaches in Higher Education.

What the Judges Thought

An inspirational and innovative educational initiative delivering research-inspired education in a real-world context.  Students become "Sustainability Advisors", collaborating with local businesses to tackle pressing sustainability challenges head-on. The approach earns “rave reviews” from students and businesses for its hands-on, employment-centred approach.  The project successfully spans academic learning and the business community.  It has reach well beyond the university and enables students to develop well as future employees. 

The project benefits businesses who understand better the significance of sustainable approaches and learners who attain practical employability skills through active business engagement. 

What it Means to Win

“I am delighted the innovative nature of this educational initiative has been recognised. This award acknowledges our sector-leading work in delivering a Research-Inspired education, providing students with the opportunities to develop green skills using real-world data, whilst also supporting local business to become more sustainable.”

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice Chancellor

Top 3 Learnings

1. Undergraduate students from a wide range of disciplines are keen to gain practical sustainability experience as part of their taught curriculum.
2. Students value the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams on a real-world sustainability project but benefit from additional support and training in teamwork and writing for a business audience.
3. Running an interdisciplinary module which partners students with local businesses can be administratively complex, but worth it!