A groundbreaking new initiative, SEAL (Student Energy Action for Life), has been launched to address the critical challenges faced by students in the UK as they navigate the complexities of the home energy system by SOS-UK (Students Organising for Sustainability UK). This ambitious five-year project aims to transform the student housing landscape by promoting energy efficiency and empowering both university students and landlords with the tools and knowledge they need to drive meaningful change. SOS-UK are partnering with NEA (National Energy Action), the UK’s leading fuel poverty charity, to upskill students and staff for this project.

Bridging the Energy Support Gap for Students

SEAL recognises the unique challenges students face when transitioning from their family homes to the private rented sector (PRS). Often, these young tenants are left without the support and guidance needed to make informed decisions about energy efficiency, leaving them vulnerable to higher energy costs and environmentally harmful housing options. SOS-UK research shows that 54% of students have experienced damp or mould on walls or ceilings, and 59% have felt uncomfortably cold in their homes, with 48% of them saying it makes them feel anxious or depressed. Through SEAL, students will receive tailored, peer-to-peer advice and resources to navigate the energy system effectively, helping them make sustainable choices that align with their values and financial needs. This is especially needed as energy prices are predicted to rise again over 2025.

Transforming the Student Housing Market

In addition to supporting students, SEAL will work to improve access to energy-efficient properties in the student housing market. The project will engage landlords across the UK, providing education, advice, and assistance to encourage investment in energy-efficient upgrades. SOS-UK will work closely with Swansea University res-life team, Manchester Student Homes, and Aston Student Homes. By fostering collaboration between students, landlords, and other stakeholders, SEAL aims to create a ripple effect of positive change in the PRS, ultimately reducing carbon emissions and improving living standards for thousands of students.

A UK-Wide Initiative with a Bold Vision

SEAL is a UK-wide project that will run over the course of five years, bringing together students, universities, housing providers, and policymakers to drive systemic change. By tackling the dual challenge of student support and landlord engagement, SEAL aspires to set a new standard for sustainable living in the PRS, contributing to the UK’s broader climate and energy goals. SOS-UK aims to engage students in ten target areas that have high concentrations of students and inefficient housing stock. These are: Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Swansea, and Worcester.

Joanna Romanowicz, Director of Engagement at SOS-UK, believes instilling a strong sense of environmental urgency and positive, informed behaviour among our student population could prove to be a key lever in shaping long term attitudes towards sustainability.

She said: “Students and education settings are key if we want to improve our sense of environmental and energy literacy. Our vision is that we want students to leave education with the solutions to climate crisis, and not the problem! Therefore improving their sense of environmental and energy literacy is critical in this.”

“Engaging students about energy efficiency during major moments of change in their lives, such as moving away from their childhood home and living independently for the first time, can have a critical impact on their future habits.”

One of the students involved in the programme said: ‘Being a volunteer with SOS-UK has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have found it to be a fulfilling opportunity to contribute to sustainable practices and make a positive impact on the environment.

“It has allowed me to actively engage with like-minded individuals, learn about sustainable living, and promote eco-friendly habits within the community. The hands-on experience of implementing recycling programs, organising energy-saving initiatives, and raising awareness about sustainable practices has been both educational and inspiring. I am grateful for the chance to be part of such a meaningful endeavour and to contribute to the creation of a more sustainable future.”

Get Involved

Students, landlords, and universities interested in joining or supporting the SEAL project can learn more by contacting Emma Lewins.  

SOS-UK and NEA are running an online training session for students on 24^th February, students can apply online until the deadline of 20th February.

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Thanks to National Lottery players, Student Energy Action for Life (SEAL) has received £1,250,503.17 over five years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK. This comes from the Climate Action Fund, a £100 million commitment over 10 years from The National Lottery Community Fund to support communities across the UK to take action on climate change and involve more people in climate action. This forms part of one of the funder’s four key missions in its 2030 strategy, ‘It starts with community’ - supporting communities to be environmentally sustainable.