With Sustainability Ensured, Your Future Is Secured

Hello! I am Anousha, a first-year Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science student. Read on to find out why I am the best candidate for Sustainability Officer!

What experiences make me the best candidate?

Born and raised on the Isle of Wight, I have always had a strong connection with the natural environment. After moving to Bristol, I have become fascinated with how nature can be woven into a bustling city, and not just confined to the countryside. There are many people putting in a lot of work to make Bristol sustainable, and I want to be one of them.

I have already begun to make Bristol more sustainable by being a member of the Sustainability Committee, and my work there is supported by my experience of working as a Conservation and Research Assistant at an animal sanctuary on the Isle of Wight.  I am also studying a relevant degree.

What my key priorities and targets are if I'm were successful in being elected

When I was researching and applying to universities last year, I used the People and Planet University League to inform my decision. The University League ranks institutions by a range of different sustainability criteria. In 2023/24, UWE ranked 11^th – a ‘1^st class’, which is amazing. However, this year, while still achieving a 1^st, UWE has moved down 14 places to the 25^th spot. This means we are in danger of falling down a grade.

I know we can do better, and I intend to ensure that we do. The areas that particularly need focusing on are Ethical Careers and Recruitment, Waste and Recycling, and Carbon Reduction. My vision for UWE is for everyone to have access to sustainable opportunities and resources, and for students to be encouraged at every level to think about their impact on the world.

UWE Bristol has frequently gained recognition for efforts to improve sustainability. As your Sustainability Officer, I will help UWE continue this trend of achievements by:

• Pressuring the university to improve upon the areas mentioned above, as well as ensuring they do not neglect the other important areas mentioned in the People and Planet University League.
• Continuing to ensure every student is provided with opportunities to live a sustainable lifestyle and get involved with green projects around the campuses, by supporting the Green Team in their activities and projects and promoting their work.
• Listening to and involving students’ own thoughts, experiences, and ideas on how we can tackle green issues together.