We have a long history of sustainability here at Sussex, from student-led societies and campaigns, to globally recognised sustainability research. The University also has a University Sustainability Strategy and a goal of being one of the most sustainable universities in the world.  

The University is recognised and ranked in several areas for the steps we have taken towards sustainability. We are 1st in the world for Development Studies, 8th in the UK for sustainability in the QS World University Rankings 2025, and joint 26th in the world for sustainability in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024. You can read more about our rankings here. 

Sustainability at Welcome Week 

You can get involved from your first day at Sussex, with our Welcome Week events and activities. With campus walks, a Silent Disco Beach Clean, and two guided bike rides between our campus and Brighton – these are opportunities to explore just some of the ways you can get involved in sustainability at Sussex and in Brighton.  

We’ll also be at Freshers’ Fair and in the Student Centre Atrium, so come along to chat, ask questions and share your ideas! 

The Student’s Union also do a lot of work around sustainability, look out for their sustainability Freshers’ events and the sustainability societies at Freshers’ Fair too. 

Get involved 

There are many extracurricular sustainability events and activities across the academic year, from the Sustainability Team, the Students’ Union, and from Schools and Departments across the University. These include workshops to share your opinion, opportunities to develop skills for your CV, and social activities to meet like-minded students. Join our mailing list or follow us on Instagram to hear about the latest opportunities. 

You can also check out Schools’ Seminar Series and events from Research Centres to learn more about our world-leading research, including the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme.  

Spirit of Sussex Award 

When you do any of the above, then you can collect Spirit of Sussex Award (SoSA) points in the Environment and Sustainability category. Whether you’re volunteering off campus, part of a sustainability society or attending University events, SOSA recognises your extracurricular activity as part of your degree and celebrates your efforts in your time at Sussex.  

You can start collecting Spirit of Sussex Award points by attending our Welcome Week events. 

Find out more:  

Explore our sustainability webpages and join our mailing list to receive monthly updates and hear about sustainability opportunities at Sussex. You can also contact the Sustainability Team at sustainable@sussex.ac.uk with any questions or ideas – we’d love to hear from you!