Sustainable Futures

What is Sustainable Futures?

Sustainable Futures is an initiative that gives students the chance to turn their ideas into real solutions for a more sustainable world.

Led by college Sustainability Lead Matt Bunn and fellow colleagues Hannah Richardson and Danny Rawling, the programme offers far more than a classroom activity — it’s an opportunity to turn bold ideas into action, influence real change, and help shape a better future for everyone.

Launched during the 23/24 academic year in response to the growing sustainability challenges facing Nottingham and communities worldwide, Sustainable Futures has quickly become one of Nottingham College’s most exciting and impactful projects with potential to receive up to £4,000 in funding!

What’s involved?

The question is simple but powerful: “How can you create behavioural change to make a more liveable and sustainable future for Nottingham and wider communities?”

Students from every level or campus can apply. They will form teams, develop ideas, and pitch them to a panel of sustainability and business leaders. Their concepts must address at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), ensuring projects contribute to global priorities such as climate action, responsible consumption, reduced inequalities, or good health and wellbeing.

Shortlisted groups will present their ideas at potentially two dragons den style pitches to a panel of stakeholders both internal and external. Previous judges include MP Nadia Whittome, Mayor Claire Ward, the CEO from Cartwright and more, alongside the project leaders.

A winning project has the potential to receive up to £4,000 in funding. This financial support allows teams to develop prototypes, run campaigns, test new ideas, or pilot community-based interventions.

What are the benefits?

The process mirrors real innovation and enterprise environments, giving valuable experience in planning, communication, problem-solving and working under scrutiny. It gives students the opportunity to have their voices heard, to fight for their future and the future of the planet.

Alongside funding, participants gain access to industry leaders, local organisations, and dedicated staff mentors who help shape, challenge and refine each idea. For many students, this is the first time their ideas have had genuine investment behind them, and the results have been nothing short of inspiring.

Photography student Jazz Furber was part of a group who won the 2025 Sustainable Futures programme with their project ‘Overconsouption’ – a photography project on over consumption captured using film rolls soaked in river water – explains why being part of Sustainable Futures was such a great opportunity:

"We were hoping to inform people of the consequences [of overconsumption] and encourage them to think about how they, personally, can change their routine to become more sustainable. As a collective, we’ve enjoyed watching our hard work and outside interests become a solid foundation for a cause we all believe in. It’s been extremely gratifying, even after challenges along the way, and we were proud to share this with the local community."

Matt Bunn, Sustainability lead had this to say about the project: 

"Sustainable Futures offers the students a chance to have a voice in the serious matter of climate change and other issues around creating a sustainable future. It enables students to test themselves in sometimes unfamiliar situations at times and enhances the educational experience for them in addition to their regular course. They experience working collaboratively and in a timely fashion, presenting to professionals from industry and then, if chosen, the chance to fulfil the project idea with funds and mentorship."