Here at Canterbury Christ Church University, we prioritise sustainability. Our values and aims highlight our commitment to shape sustainable futures for both our current and future students.

Ensuring that we all have the right mindset, tools, and education to drive sustainability forward is something that we continually work on.

But it’s not just about pretty plants and painting things green (even if our wild garden is lovely to look at). Sustainability covers many areas: education, social, and, of course, the fight against climate change. And each year, our Student Green Office employs four students to represent the student body in driving these areas of sustainability forward.

Here, we caught up with Holly, who was a student green officer for two years. Now a lecturer in Games Design, she shares her experience in the SGO.

Prioritising our students and community

“My role was essentially a student liaison officer. Our aim was to push our sustainability efforts forward and get as many students as possible involved. I was the bridge between the student and the University. I helped to close that gap between staff and students to make our student voice more accessible.

“Our aim since covid was to get that community back together. After covid, campus was quite quiet, so my main role was to enhance our social sustainability and create an inclusive and welcoming community after the pandemic.

“It was important for students to feel confident enough to voice their ideas of what could be done around the Uni to improve our sustainability efforts, so we prioritised community-building first and foremost.”

Social sustainability at CCCU

Social sustainability refers to efforts that ‘support the capacity of current and future generations to create healthy and liveable communities.’

So, in simple terms, it’s all about enhancing our wellbeing, creating positive spaces, and upholding an inclusive and friendly environment where everyone feels comfortable.

It’s safe to say that after covid, the world’s social sustainability took a hit! So, Holly and the team planned events that promoted this around the Uni.

“We decided to put on events that were relaxing and welcoming, and where people could chat about their fears and worries in a safe space. We started Potter and Prune every Wednesday. We had pizza parties where everyone made and ate their own pizzas. We held tote bag events where people could decorate a tote bag whilst having a chat.

“We just wanted to get the conversation going in a relaxed environment and get that sense of community back. Through this, we raised awareness of the SGO and fostered a positive space.

“We ran carbon literacy training sessions and worked with Schools and College Engagement (SCE) to spread the word to our prospective students. We worked the Open Days, and I also gave a presentation at a conference to spread that awareness. We also collaborated with the Students' Union with event-planning.

“All of these small projects created a very lovely culture. Before joining the SGO, I was incredibly shy and unsure of myself. But being a part of the SGO helped me gain my confidence, and I met my two best friends there. It was a place where I felt comfortable enough to push myself to become the person I am today.

“Overall, we’re all really proud of the community that we built and nurtured. Even though I’m not with the SGO now, I still help out, and I’m always keen to get involved and spread the word to my students.”

Join our CCCU community

There’s so much going on at Canterbury Christ Church University. If you’re looking for a university that fosters an inclusive and friendly environment, where you can just be yourself whilst making a positive impact, then join our CCCU community.

You can also read the SGO’s blog, which is full of updates, news, and ways to get involved.

Next time, we’ll hear from our new student green officer to see what our new SGO team have in store for us this next academic year, So, watch this space!