The University of Aberdeen Students’ Union has secured £13,000 worth of funding from renewable energy giants Vattenfall, as part of their ‘Unlock our Future Fund’. The fund, representing a total investment of £150k annually back into the local economy, was set up to support “projects that look to the future and contribute to a climate smarter world” and will run for the lifespan of the company’s Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm.

The funds will be allocated by the Students’ Union to pay for various sustainable projects designed to make students’ lives better while simultaneously promoting environmentally sound practices.

Students' Union Vice President for Communities, Ainhoa Aguilera said:

"I was blown-away when I learned that we had secured this funding! What an incredible win that will allow us to implement lots of climate-focussed schemes that would not be possible otherwise.

“I am especially pleased by the popularity of our new Zero Waste Shop. Our goal is to help the community by providing access to low-cost food – we even offer a 50% student discount on top of already super low prices. We hope to encourage our community to shop sustainably while helping them during a crisis when prices keep going up.

“We have also invested in a fleet of e-bikes which students are able to borrow completely free of charge; helping to keep our beautiful campus as pollution free as possible. 

"I'd like to thank all our amazing student volunteers who give up their time to help make these green initiatives possible."

Anyone interested in volunteering or getting involved with any of our sustainable initiatives should email the Students’ Union at ausa@abdn.ac.uk.