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The OU Sustainathon 2026
Collaboration, Creativity and Climate Action
This year, the Open University launched its second Sustainathon, a dynamic, week-long online event in which STEM students teamed up to solve real-world sustainability challenges set by leading charities.
The initiative aimed to boost students’ employability and sustainability awareness through hands-on, project-based learning. We were excited to partner with the National Trust and West London Waste Authority.
National Trust challenged the students to look at Testing Disposal Systems and Behaviour Change and Designing a Low-Impact Outdoor Visitor Hub. Whilst the West London Waste Authority had three challenges for the students to choose from a social media campaign to support better waste collection, a school uniform swap scheme and looking at how they could evaluate the implementation of the Simpler Recycling Policy. These projects highlighted sustainability issues on different scales and inspired a diverse range of creative solutions.
Group 1: Small changes, better impact. The intervention is based around the combined use of strategic bin placement, improved signage, nature-focused messaging and a QR feedback system with a competition to encourage participation. The competition will also encourage better flushing habits. First prize would be a year’s National Trust membership
Group 2: Modular limecrete HUB: The concept focuses on environmentally responsible design, incorporating locally sourced, low-carbon materials, renewable energy systems, water conservation, and circular-economy principles. The proposed hubs are designed to be flexible and scalable, providing facilities such as cafés, learning spaces, shelters, toilets, and community areas while blending sensitively into the natural landscape.
Group 3: Evidence-based solution systems:
Our proposal combines practical infrastructure improvements, such as accessible hands-free sanitary bins and optional biodegradable disposal bags, with clear signage and better maintenance to encourage responsible waste disposal. These measures aim to reduce maintenance costs, protect wildlife and natural environments, improve visitor experience, and support the National Trust’s sustainability goals.
Group 4: Circular economy approach to school uniforms: Creating a sustainable system that encourages the reuse, resale, recycling, and redistribution of school clothing. The proposal aims to reduce textile waste, lower family costs, extend the lifespan of uniforms, and increase environmental awareness within schools and local communities.
Group 5: Evaluation Framework for Simpler Recycling Policy: The concept combines quantitative waste-collection data with qualitative stakeholder interviews to assess the policy's effectiveness, identify implementation challenges, and understand how local contexts influence recycling outcomes. By comparing boroughs with different housing characteristics and demographics, the project aims to generate evidence-based recommendations and support continuous improvement.
Group 6: School Renewal Event Days: A community-based circular economy initiative designed to reduce textile waste and alleviate the financial burden of school uniforms for families in Brent. The concept centres on school-led clothing swap and reuse events, where students, parents, volunteers, and local organisations work together to collect, exchange, repair, and redistribute uniforms and other clothing items. The model is designed to be scalable across schools and boroughs, creating a sustainable framework for clothing reuse while fostering social inclusion and circular economy principles among young people.
The final presentations were truly impressive, showcasing the high standard of work produced in just one week. In all, the event was interactive, collaborative and rewarding for both students and the participating charities. The ideas, services, products, and concepts generated were not only innovative but also practical and applicable. Our students truly demonstrated their creativity and commitment to building a more sustainable future.
Read more: The OU Sustainathon: Collaboration, Creativity and Climate Action – Design@Open