University News Last updated 29 October
Empowering students, staff and local communities to better manage their energy costs while also creating valuable employment opportunities for students, Birmingham City University (BCU) has partnered with Students Organising Sustainability UK (SOS-UK) for a new initiative.
The Student Energy Advice Network (SEAN) project aims to tackle fuel poverty, improve energy literacy and develop the next generation of green-skilled professionals.
Funded by the Energy Redress Scheme, the initiative will see trained student energy advisors provide free, personalised support to fellow students, staff and members of the wider community.
Advice will include practical ways to save energy, better understand bills and tariffs, improve home comfort and reduce household energy consumption.
Paid employment and development opportunities will be created by the project, giving students the opportunity to receive specialist training from fuel poverty charity National Energy Action.
Mark Hopkins, Senior Sustainability Officer at BCU, said: “Over the next two years, we hope the project will support thousands of households to save energy, reduce costs and improve their understanding of energy efficiency.
“We also expect this programme to have significant benefits for the students who are recruited into these paid positions, and we’re excited to see the career skills they develop in these roles.”
Reflecting BCU’s commitment to sustainability, and the University’s Strategy 2030 which will Develop Talent for Tomorrow and Power Prosperity in local communities, SEAN combines practical support for households with meaningful student employment.
Recruitment for student energy advisor roles is expected to begin in November 2026, with Student Energy Advice Centres launching shortly afterwards.