The Green Impact programme, run by Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS UK) and NUS Charity, helps staff, elected officers and students learn for sustainability and social responsibility, shows what unions can do to take action, and supports them in achieving these actions.

Taking a holistic view of sustainability, the programme is based on themes of continual improvement, collaboration, and meaningful change and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Phil Green (VP 2023-24) and Connie Chilcott (President Exeter 2023-25) worked with The SU staff team to complete the submission by the end of the 2023-24 academic year, with results released in the summer.

The SU’s work related to students’ right to food was highlighted as a strength with various initiatives like Free Soup Fridays and the Food Pantry commended for helping students to access nutritious food during the cost of living crisis.

Phil’s notCOP programme of events to engage students on core themes such as democratise, demilitarise, decolonise, running alongside COP26 got a key mention for aligning with Green Impact’s criteria and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

People’s assemblies were a clear highlight for the GISU auditors who were impressed with the number of people that students engaged on issues relating to climate and nature through these meetings.

The GISU (Green Impact Students’ Unions) auditor noted “Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union have done an amazing amount of work on GISU, their focus on food waste is inspiring and sustainable. I was really impressed with their dedication to support and work with students to create change. I look forward to hearing them achieve even more!

You are leading the way for other Students’ Unions and Associations to follow and create a sustainable present and future!”

Connie Chilcott (President Exeter 2023-25) said, “Our work on Green Impact is a vital part of what we do as a union. Falmouth and Exeter students understand the importance of climate action, and true sustainability in order to create a liveable future for all people. It is the role of a University to prepare us for the uncertain future which lies ahead, and the green impact criteria empowers students to take action and support each other, our communities, and our futures.

Achieving “excellent” is an acknowledgement of our student members’ commitments to tackling the climate and nature emergency and we hope sharing our achievement encourages more people to get involved with our work.”

Reach out to our sabbatical officers If you’re interested in getting involved in sustainability projects or initiatives.

Make a Change is a platform for proposals that the union should adopt. All student members can submit a proposal for the union to adopt.