The SU council have accepted a proposal to avoid using air travel for destinations in Western Europe when participating in SU events.
Their intention is not to reduce opportunities for students but rather to promote responsible and sustainable travel.
On 22 February, Ethical and Environmental Councillor Daisy Watson-Rumbold brought a proposal to the SU to encourage the use of sustainable transport.
In the meeting, Watson-Rumbold introduced the policy and reinforced that it was not a mandate, instead recognised that it “should be information, feedback and options to student groups”.
Maria Lourido, Education Officer, supported the policy but asked how different societies may respond.
Watson-Rumbold responded: “This was written with a lot of input from Bummit. Many students feel they have to fly back due to a lack of information. This is not banning air travel, but about providing options and information”.
Anna Campbell, Activities and Development Officer, suggested that she would be able to work with societies to support the sustainable transport pledge.
Campbell added: “Societies can apply for funding for transport already, particularly used for coaches. They approve the vast majority of them”.
“Climate Change is one of the biggest issues facing humanity right now and this should be passed”.
38 councillors voted in favour of Watson-Rumbold’s proposal, 2 voted against, and 2 councillors abstained.
Following the discussion, El Andrade May, Sheffield Methods Institute, suggested that “it would be nice to add new guidelines drawn out about this on things like international train travel. It can be a big knowledge barrier that is intimidating to people”.
Student groups seeking exceptions must now also submit details to the Activities and Development Officer for consideration and approval of air travel in exceptional circumstances.
Minutes of all Council meetings can be found on the SU website.
