Wellington College’s Student-Led Sustainability Journey

Wellington College has taken a bold step towards addressing the world’s environmental challenges with its latest initiative—the Student-led Sustainability and Climate Action Report. This innovative project, spearheaded by students and supported by the college’s leadership, underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into education and fostering environmental stewardship among young leaders.

The report highlights the efforts of the college’s Sustainability Committee, established in 2019 to give students a platform to lead environmental projects. This committee provides opportunities for students to develop innovative solutions that address pressing issues like waste reduction, carbon emissions, and awareness of environmental and social challenges.

Wellington College’s sustainability efforts are structured around five priority Sustainable Development Goals:

• Quality Education: Integrating lessons like climate anxiety management into the curriculum to address the mental health impacts of environmental concerns.
• Gender Equality: Raising awareness of women’s roles in sustainability through campaigns and collaborations.
• Affordable and Clean Energy: Advancing renewable energy projects such as solar panel installations and ground-source heat pumps.
• Responsible Consumption and Production: Promoting waste reduction through initiatives like food waste bins in boarding houses and collaborations with local zero-waste shops.
• Climate Action: Organising events like Earth Week and Eco-Games to inspire collective community efforts.

Highlights from the Report

The report showcases several standout initiatives:

• Climate Anxiety Lessons: A pilot programme in the well-being curriculum to help students cope with the emotional effects of climate change.
• Sustainability Venture Competition: Encouraged innovative solutions from students, such as eco-friendly infrastructure ideas and waste reduction strategies.
• Eco-Games Tournament: A house competition fostering environmental awareness through creative pledges and activities.

The Sustainability Committee collaborates closely with decision-makers at the college to ensure alignment with institutional goals. The college has also made strides in renewable energy adoption, including expanding solar PV installations and transitioning to electric vehicles as part of its broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Wellington College’s students are committed to building on these achievements. Their recommendations for the future include continuing climate education, expanding waste reduction initiatives, and engaging with local and global organisations for impactful projects.

This report not only reflects the achievements of Wellington College but also serves as a blueprint for other educational institutions aiming to integrate sustainability into their ethos.

Explore the full report here: