With growing concern about the climate crisis and the rising cost of living, sustainability has become a defining priority in the student accommodation, not just a consideration but an expectation. Students are not only asking where they will live — but how their housing choices impact their environment, their wellbeing, and their future.
Students Want Sustainable Solutions
Today’s students are increasingly sustainability-conscious. According to the NUS, 91% of students are concerned about climate change, and nearly half believe their university should do more to reduce its carbon footprint — including in accommodation.
But the student housing sector has a long way to go. Many off-campus houses have low energy efficiency ratings, lack recycling facilities, or rely on fossil fuel heating systems. Students are often forced to choose between comfort, affordability, and eco-consciousness — and in some cases, end up in cold, inefficient homes with poor insulation and high bills.
Why Sustainable Housing Matters
The environmental impact of student housing is significant. From energy consumption to transport links, waste handling to materials used in construction and renovation, accommodation decisions carry weight — both financially and ecologically.
Moreover, poor housing quality has knock-on effects on mental health and academic performance. A sustainable home — warm, well-lit, cost-effective to run — supports both wellbeing and learning outcomes.
Universities and Partners Can Lead the Way
As universities plan for net zero, student housing must be part of the equation. Institutions have an opportunity to promote greener standards across their owned and affiliated stock, and to collaborate with trusted private-sector platforms to raise the bar.
Studentpad, which supports over 100 universities and councils, enables institutions to signpost and prioritise properties that meet environmental benchmarks — such as EPC ratings, double glazing, or low-carbon heating. Sustainable living features of a property, such as double glazing, heat pumps, renewable energy for heating can be filters by students, to allow them to make informed choices and giving landlords the motivation to continue to improve their properties. Features like location filters and Housemate Finder also support students to reduce commuting emissions and car dependency.
Supporting Sustainable Student Choices
Sustainability isn’t a luxury — it’s a student priority. At Studentpad, we believe in giving students the tools and transparency to make informed choices. We’re working with partners to identify and highlight greener housing options, and to ensure that off-campus living doesn’t mean compromising on ethics or efficiency.
The future of student accommodation is not just about more rooms — it’s about better, smarter, greener living. And together, we can make it happen.
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References
1. National Union of Students (NUS):Sustainability Skills Survey (2023)
2. SOS-UK: 'Students and Sustainability in Higher Education' Report
3. HEPI/Advance HE: Student Academic Experience Survey (2023)
4. The Carbon Trust: 'Low Carbon Accommodation Standards'
5. Department for Education: Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy (2022)
About Studentpad
Studentpad helps universities support student success by making it easy to find secure, trusted, and increasingly sustainable off-campus housing. With over 25 years of experience and partnerships with more than 100 institutions, Studentpad offers customised platforms, housemate-matching tools, and property filters that promote safe, efficient, and student-friendly accommodation options.
Want to find out more? Book a demo here now!
By Michael Collett (Non Exec) & Olivia MacLean (Marketing Executive) @Studentpad | For CUBO, UCAS and Student Union Leaders
