Sheffield University students are to attend compulsory lectures on climate change so they can learn how to live in a “sustainable” way. The new sustainable development course, which will be introduced over the next five years, was launched in response to the “climate emergency”, the university said. The environmental course “encourages a holistic approach to sustainability knowledge that goes beyond ‘being green’”, according to the university. Prof Koen Lamberts, who took over as president and vice-Chancellor of Sheffield last year, said the course would be embedded into all undergraduate programmes. “Whether our students go on to become doctors, engineers, scientists, economists or historians, we want them to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, values and attributes they need to work and live in a sustainable way,” he said. “We want them to make an impact and find solutions to the environmental, economic and social challenges that we face." Sir Keith Burnett, Sheffield’s former vice-Chancellor, was the sixth top spender on air fares of all university heads in 2016-17, the most recent year that figures are available, according to an analysis University and Colleges Union (UCU). Documents obtained by the UCU found he spent £27,016 during the year on air fares, and all of the flights were in business or first class.
Sheffield has said its undergraduates will be required to attend compulsory climate change lectures, part of a "holistic approach to sustainability" that goes beyond merely "being green". The programme will be introduced over the next five years. The university is also set to publish its sustainability strategy and action plan, within which it will include guidance to staff on finding alternative travel options to flying.