Making your student house more sustainable might sound like a lengthy task, but with small changes like switching off lights and being mindful of water use, you can work toward making a difference. While there are challenges involved, it is possible, and it may even reduce bill costs, especially when combined with a well-managed bills package for students that helps you stay on top of your energy usage.
What Sustainability Means For Students
The effects of climate change are a topic which we hear about time and time again, creating increasing pressure to make changes. Many students are passionate about sustainability because they want to protect the world and their future. To make a real difference, there are small habits everyone can change.
The Challenges of Going Green in Student Houses
Short-Term Rentals and Limited Control
When renting, you can’t make permanent changes to the home without permission from the landlord. Installing better insulation or energy-saving appliances may not be allowed unless the landlord allows it, which can limit your control.
Shared Responsibility (And Different Priorities)
When several people live under the same roof with different lifestyles and priorities, it can be difficult to get everyone to adopt the same habits to boost sustainability.
Student Budgets and Convenience
Big changes to the home, like investing in smart tech and energy-saving appliances, are costly. Only living somewhere for a short time means many students simply don’t want to spend lots of money on sustainable solutions.
Simple Swaps That Make a Big Difference
Save Energy Without Sacrificing Comfort
Instead of using the heating or setting it at a really high temperature, wrap up warm in cosy pyjamas and fluffy blankets. Long hot water bottles have become popular among students, and they warm your whole body, which can help you relax after a long day of studying.
Rethink Your Daily Habits
We’re all guilty of small habits that can be altered to make them more sustainable! Here are some examples:
- If you take long showers, make them shorter where possible.
- If you buy new bags whenever you go shopping, keep reusable bags at home in a stash to take with you.
- If you’re guilty of leaving lights on, make it a habit to check if any lights have been left on when leaving the house.
Shop Smarter, Waste Less
Make yourself a meal plan for the week to avoid overbuying food. It’s easy to leave the shop with more than you need and have food go to waste. If you have leftovers after cooking, like rice, you can use these for other meals, like wraps and stir-fries.
Working Together for a Greener House
By working together to make sustainable changes, you can all create a greener home while also reducing your gas, energy, and water bills. If only one person is putting in the work, change is unlikely to happen. Having a meeting with your housemates to discuss what sustainability habits you can adopt together can set you all up for success.
Affordable Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Choose Renewable Energy Providers
Choosing renewable energy to power your home is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. At The Student Energy Group, we provide 100% green electricity, so you can contribute to a cleaner future.
Use Your Smart Meter Wisely
Your smart meter should come with an in-home display. Put this somewhere you’ll see it often, like an obvious spot in the kitchen or living room. This allows you to track energy usage in real time and how much it’s costing you. Through this, you can look for patterns and changes to help you alter habits and make them more sustainable. If you don’t already have a smart meter, you can contact your energy supplier and ask them to install one for you at no extra cost. Before doing this, it’s recommended to speak to your landlord.
Join Student Sustainability Schemes
These are run by universities, student unions, and colleges, allowing students to get involved in sustainability-related activities and learn more about caring for the environment. Look out for these, you may learn some more ways to reduce your carbon footprint!
How Sustainability Saves You Money Too
By using less electricity, water, and gas where possible, you can reduce how much you spend on your bills and save money over time, all while caring for the environment.
Can The Student Energy Group Help Make Your Student Home Sustainable?
At The Student Energy Group, we provide 100% green electricity, so you can contribute to a cleaner future, all whilst enjoying your time as a university student. We’ll also combine your household bills, including water, electricity, gas, broadband and your TV licence into one monthly statement, which can be split equally between everyone you live with. If you sign up with us, we’ll even plant a tree as a step toward helping the environment. It takes less than 2 minutes to get a free, no-obligation quote from us today.
