Sustainability Societies

We have several sustainability-focused societies here at UMSU, as well as other University teams you can get involved in:

People & Planet - one branch of the national People & Planet, this society works primarily on getting the University to take its £11.3m of investments out of fossil fuel companies (termed Divestment), as well as tackling food waste on campus. This society also works with the MMU P&P society on joint projects such as the Latte Levy.

Fossil Free UoM - the campaign name for Divestment, and primarily run by the People & Planet society to get the University to commit to full divestment.

Extinction Rebellion Youth - set up earlier this year, Extinction Rebellion Youth (XRY) is a branch of Extinction Rebellion, focusing on the role of the Youth voice in the climate movement. The UoM registered society works with other XRY Manchester people from universities and colleges across the city.

Manchester Energy and Environment Society - a platform of students focusing on finding solutions to the current energy and environment industries.

Bikos Bikes - the £1 a week (yes, it’s true!) bike rental scheme in the basement of the Students’ Union, with free repairs and lessons in basic bike maintenance! You can also join the society to help the volunteers with repairing old bikes and offering the maintenance lessons.

Want Not Waste - our very own zero waste shop with the campus’ biggest recycling depository, come and buy all your goods without the guilt of plastic packaging! If you’d like to volunteer with us, just pop into the shop (which is located right next to the Academy opposite the Simon building).

University Sustainability

If you’re looking for something more academic, you could sign up to the following initiatives:

Creating a Sustainable World: 21st Century Challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals is a new UCIL course open to all undergraduates who have free credits (it is available for 10 or 20 credits), and is delivered entirely online allowing for more flexibility in your course. It has over 80 expert contributors from policy, practice and across the University and aims to tell the truth about sustainability in a way that will empower you to make positive change towards a more sustainable future. Read more from the author of this course, Jen O’Brien, here.

Ethical Grand Challenges - if you want to improve the sustainability on your campus while colouring your CV, then the Ethical Grand Challenges is for you - it offers opportunities to learn about and lead on three of the biggest challenges facing the world in the 21st Century: environmental sustainability, social justice issues and work place ethics.

Sustainability Seminar Series - offered by academics from the University, and delivered every month, these seminars focus on different aspects of sustainability, both within the University and outside of it, and provide opportunities for staff and students to make a positive impact on their campus and wider environment through the learning and sharing of knowledge.

Sustainability Roles

Or if you’re wanting to become a leader in the environmental movement within the very walls of your University, you can run to be elected for the following positions:

Ethical & Environmental Officer (more details to follow)

Environmental Rep in Halls of Residence

Climate Emergency Committee Student Roles