Brighton Business Students Help Local Companies Cut Carbon Footprints

Friday, 28 February 2025 13:52

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Final-year business students at the University of Brighton are stepping up to help local companies shrink their carbon footprints – providing free sustainability advice while gaining invaluable real-world experience.

As part of a new module at the University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law, students will work directly with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to measure, manage, and reduce their carbon emissions.

This hands-on project offers practical support to businesses while equipping students with critical skills in sustainability, consultancy, and data analysis – skills that are essential in today’s evolving job market.

Rather than working with theoretical case studies, students will analyse real carbon data from participating businesses, developing tailored, actionable strategies that balance sustainability goals with commercial realities.

Using the Clean Growth Platform’s carbon calculator – aligned with UK government standards – students will assess emissions and create targeted reduction plans based on each company’s unique needs.

For students, this initiative is a chance to apply academic learning in a real-world setting, developing essential skills in research, problem-solving, and independent thinking.

For local businesses, it’s a valuable opportunity to access expert-led carbon footprint analysis at no cost – helping them make impactful steps toward environmental responsibility while benefiting from fresh perspectives and emerging talent.

Dr Vincent Kane, Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Law and module leader, said:

“From my work as facilitator on Help to Grow: Management, I know how keen the companies are to work with students on practical projects that are mutually beneficial.

"At its core, this experience is about giving students an edge. Not all of them have the networks that help secure internships or placements, so real-world projects like this are essential.

"They reinforce our roots in technical education, help students build market-ready skills, and give them something substantial to show in addition to a degree classification. Rather than a theoretical exercise, this mirrors the dynamic, fast-moving environment they’ll soon step into.”

This initiative reflects the University’s commitment to sustainability and its ongoing work with industry partners to drive meaningful change in the transition to a net-zero economy.

Designed with both people and the planet in mind, the student-focused module seeks to support the next generation of business leaders in driving sustainable change, equipping them with the skills and experience to build a greener, more resilient future.