Earth Day celebration for University students recognised for commitment to sustainability

Fifteen University students have been recognised as Sustainability Champions this Earth Day, after achieving a University digital badge and certificate that acknowledges their commitment to sustainability through academic and careers-focused projects.

The students, drawn from a range of disciplines, completed the WLV Sustainability Champion Digital Badge, a reflective learning initiative designed to help students explore sustainability through their studies, placements and practical experiences, while linking this learning directly to future careers and employability.

Certificates and digital badges are being awarded this week, with a celebration event taking place earlier today, bringing together students and staff to mark the achievement and reflect on their sustainability journeys.

The initiative supports the University’s wider sustainability ambitions and the Green Innovation Corridor, encouraging students to engage with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to recognise that sustainability spans social, environmental, economic and employability dimensions.

One Sustainability Champion, Sharanjit Rattu, BA (Hons) Education Studies, said:

“Our habits, our views, our actions matter. Adjusting your views and habits changes things for the better. We are all one and have the right to act responsibly for our planet, even the smallest changes can make a big difference.”

Another student awardee, Shradha Limbu, MSc Computer Science with Professional Practice, highlighted the long-term impact of the programme, adding:

“Moving forward, I aim to integrate these values into my practice both as a student and in my future professional career. By carrying these values into my future behaviour and professional practice, I hope to contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.”

The The Sustainability Champion Digital Badge is led from within the Student Success Directorate and has recently been expanded across the University following strong engagement in its early phases. It encourages participants to reflect on how sustainability connects to their subject area, personal values and future professional practice, while also helping them articulate these skills to employers.

Dr Laura Nicklin, Student Success and Graduate Outcomes Lead, who created and oversees the initiative, said:

“Our Sustainability Champions work is so important to staff and students at the University of Wolverhampton, as well as the wider Wolverhampton community. By connecting the global goals to their own values, studies and careers, participants begin to see how sustainability can support their success, strengthen their employability and position them as active contributors to a changing world.”

The University will continue to grow the Sustainability Champions initiative as part of its commitment to embedding sustainability across teaching, learning and campus life.