University of Worcester students are helping community businesses become more sustainable.

The students are working with a range of firms to assess their practices and make recommendations for changes to improve their sustainability.

The Business School is now looking to offer the service to more firms in the region.

The scheme, developed as a partnership project by the university’s Business School placements office and Dr Kay Emblen-Perry, the university’s principal lecturer in sustainability in the Business School, has mutual benefits, giving students vital work experience and providing businesses with insight into how they could operate more sustainably.

Jo Murphy, business development manager in the university’s Business School, said: "The scheme has many benefits, both to ourselves and these firms.

"It has enabled us to engage and have impact in our local community."

She added: "We have been able to share our staff and students’ knowledge and passion in sustainability, whilst developing practical work experience skills in sustainability which are much needed by employers."

Three projects have been completed so far, with students working with a range of firms across Worcestershire, including equipment manufacturers, food producers, and marketing companies, with more in the pipeline.

Students work as sustainability consultants with the business.

While all projects are tailored to the organisation, students begin with a sustainability audit to create an understanding of current business practices, which helps them establish a baseline from which to monitor and measure improvement.

The student consultants then produce a report detailing their findings and recommended actions for improvement.

Adam Sheward, sustainability lead at Worcester-based medical device manufacturer Kimal PLC, which has used the Student-Led Environmental Consultancy Programme, said: "The most valuable learning experience was what a great resource students can be in this situation.

"It solved a problem for us, and it offers the students some real-world work experience."

He added: "It really is win-win and somewhat of an under-utilised resource.

"Other than that, obviously the output of the student’s work has been incredibly useful, and has put us on a road to being a more sustainable company."