The University of Westminster hosted a series of inspiring activities and events as part of its annual Sustainability Week. These events highlighted sustainability at Westminster and gave students and colleagues opportunities to make a sustainable impact.
Westminster Sustainability Week returned for 2026 with a packed programme of activities across the University’s four campuses, offering students and colleagues a wide range of opportunities to engage with sustainable living, climate action and community wellbeing.
The week kicked off on 9 February with a Bike Breakfast at Cavendish Campus to encourage sustainable travel to and from the University. A free breakfast was offered to all those who cycled to campus, as well as free bike checks from a Dr Bike mechanic, who provided minor repairs and guidance on more complex fixes.
Dr Bike
Meanwhile, the Marylebone Campus hosted a Five Steps to Wellbeing Fair, where attendees explored how connecting, getting active, practising mindfulness, giving to others and learning new skills can help build a healthier lifestyle while supporting a more sustainable future. The Library Team and University of Westminster Students’ Union (UWSU) also ran a stall to promote their books and resources relating to sustainability, giving away tote bags and hosting a badgemaking activity using withdrawn book pages and old magazines.
On 10 February, the Marylebone Campus hosted a clothes swap run by circular fashion and sustainable lifestyle service, Loanhood. The swap encouraged the community to refresh their wardrobes sustainably by exchanging preloved clothing. Alongside the swap, a repair artist from sustainable apparel and homeware brand TOAST demonstrated creative mending techniques, showcasing how extending the life of garments supports a circular economy.
The week’s focus shifted to careers on 11 February with a Green Careers Fair on the University’s Regent Campus. The event brought together a range of businesses and charities to showcase the world of ethical work and highlight pathways into sustainability focused careers. Students had the chance to speak directly with employers, explore opportunities and gain insights into becoming sustainability leaders, before taking part in an informal networking session. The Careers and Sustainability Teams were also on hand to offer any guidance needed.
On 12 February, the University hosted its second annual Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Prize Event, which celebrates students’ sustainability-related work. Students from across the University could pitch presentations, academic posters or creative arts pieces relating to the United Nations SDGs, which were then assessed by a panel of expert judges. Participation in the SDG Prize contributes to the Westminster Award, which encourages students to take full advantage of career development opportunities at Zone29, Westminster’s new home for careers and enterprise launching in spring 2026.
SDG Prize Event
Earlier in the day, the Library Team returned with a Sustainable Library PopUp to further showcase Westminster’s sustainability themed resources and hosted another round of badgemaking using repurposed materials.
The week wrapped up on 13 February with a Climate Assembly Lunch. This provided students with the opportunity to feed into the University of Westminster Climate Assembly (UWCA), the UK’s first university-based citizens’ assembly on climate, and shape the future direction of the University’s climate action.
About Sustainability Week, Dularee Goonetilleke, Sustainability Coordinator at the University of Westminster, said: “Sustainability Week at Westminster was a fantastic way for our students to engage with both challenges and opportunities within sustainability. Our team were thrilled to see how much enthusiasm our community has in shaping positive change. The highlight for me was our Green Careers Fair, during which we were visited by employers from various disciplines within the sustainability industry. Thank you to everyone who took part!”
This series of events for Sustainability Week directly contributes to the UN SDGs. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Sustainable Development at the University of Westminster.
Clothes Swap
TOAST mending demonstration
Green Careers Fair
SDG Prize winners
SDG Prize student presentation
Networking at the SDG Prize Event
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