Learning and applying – My perspective on sustainability
It’s wonderful to be part of a university that is committed to sustainability and translating our research into real-world scenarios which help us find solutions to global problems.
In 2020 The University of Sheffield published its five-year sustainability strategy which aligns the university with the international scientific consensus and approach embodied by the United Nation’s (UN’s) Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. It outlines the key commitments such as having a net-zero campus by 2030, 100% renewable procured electricity on campus, tough action on high-carbon travel, sustainability education across all courses, and more.
The University of Sheffield works to ensure that the wide student body understands how to apply their subject knowledge to make society more sustainable. It has been an opportunity to be more aware of what I, as an individual, can do to contribute to change.
It has definitely been a motivator having part of my degree focusing on sustainability practices as a key area for my future. As a business management student, environmental protection, economic performance, and social cohesion are all aspects of sustainable development that are included in my learning.
The University of Sheffield provides world-class research and teaching on environmental issues and all students will engage with Education for Sustainable Development to equip them with the knowledge and skills to prepare them for the jobs of the future. Find out more by visiting: www.sheffield.ac.uk/sustainability
Where creating sustainable technologies and interventions to protect resources and energy supplies, as well as to understand the change in human behaviour will allow us to monitor, predict, and mitigate the impacts of human activity on the planet, something that is extremely important to consider as future sustainability practices will be more resilient than they are now.
Looking at it from a business perspective, these practices will be more appealing to customers, recruits, and investors, all of which will have a direct impact on their bottom line. As a result, today’s sustainable companies are likely to become industry leaders tomorrow.
The project I have been working on is called Filtrado, an international project that focuses on improving the accessibility to safe and clean drinking water in Angola. Aiming to modernise water filtration systems in rural communities. This has been an amazing opportunity to start developing and strengthening skills that will be extremely helpful in the long run for my personal and professional development as well as keep diversifying my interest further.
If you would like to speak to Melissa to find out more about sustainability or her time at university then please click here to visit our Chat to our Students page.