Colleges and universities are facing increasing pressure from students /other stakeholders to make the planet / sustainability a priority. With heavy engagement in green living on the rise and the realities of climate change becoming more apparent, the pressure is on to invest in solutions that promote sustainability.  

Student housing is no exception — and physical products have an important role to play.  

The company ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions strives to be ahead of the curve in meeting the needs of consumers and the planet. They have set ambitious targets to reduce — and ultimately eliminate — emissions, and have integrated science-based goals into every step of their research, design and development phases.  

Their customers within the education industry share a common goal: create spaces where students can live, work and learn. Sustainable features, amenities and products are playing an increasingly important role in achieving that goal.  

Sustainable innovation is more than just a buzzword for those in the student housing industry — it's central to the conversations they have with student residents daily. 

A Holistic Lens 

Sustainability has come a long way from recycling initiatives and energy-efficient light bulbs. Today, we can embed environmentally-conscious practices at every step of the production line.   

Products are now built to prioritise long-term sustainability. Electronic access solutions contribute to energy-efficient buildings, helping student accommodations reduce waste and optimise resources.

Outdated solutions, like physical keys or plastic keycards, are quickly being replaced by digital and app-based tools. This is not only good for the environment but also helps housing operators to streamline their operations and provide increased visibility on who has access to different doors. 

New products are also shifting to more environmentally friendly materials like aluminium, and production and development processes are shifting to incorporate more eco-friendly options. 

The VingCard Novel — one of ASSA ABLOY’s most sustainable solutions to date — combines many of these important elements. The product boasts planet-friendly manufacturing materials along with reduced weight and packaging volume. While the product was previously battery-driven or wired, a battery-free version is now being tested. They have also improved practices within production, shrinking their carbon footprint and cutting energy and water consumption.  

By looking at products through the lens of their entire lifecycle, student housing providers and their technology and product partners can make impactful progress for our planet — progress that resonates with today's students. 

The Green Generation 

Gen Z is recognised as the most environmentally conscious generation to date. Research demonstrates that for most Gen Z consumers, sustainability is a priority for which they are willing to pay a premium. Not only that, but as the first digital natives, today's students expect frictionless digital solutions.  

The two go hand in hand. By embracing technology, we can advance sustainability, reduce waste materials and move towards low-power, wireless solutions. Mobile apps, like Livvi, use Bluetooth to provide students with secure mobile access in a simple, intuitive package. Digital platforms reduce the administrative burden associated with managing access, eliminate the risk of lost or stolen keys, notify property owners with batteries that are near the end-of-life and need to be replaced, and empower residents and building managers to take control of their space. Additionally, mobile apps provide an eco-system with digital access; the ability to communicate with the landlord and access to various services like laundry facilities or payment in the campus canteen. 

Today's students seek integrated environments where they can connect, study and thrive. To do that, they need to feel safe and have access to intuitive solutions that reduce barriers and promote connectivity.  

Setting the Course 

For many product and technology companies in the student housing industry, sustainability does not only serve as a core pillar of product design, but also as a central piece of their business model.   

By evaluating every aspect of environmental impact, research and development teams can ensure new solutions align with a broader commitment to the planet, and that sustainability is approached through a multi-faceted lens. 

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) reports can also be leveraged to show how products impact the environment. By sharing progress, we can promote transparency and set a new "green standard" for sustainability in product design.  

ASSA ABLOY launched their sustainability compass in 2015. The tool provides a holistic approach to measuring the impact of each product on our planet. It assesses solutions across eight dimensions: raw materials, packaging, virgin material, end-of-life reusability, recyclability, energy consumption, carbon footprint and financial cost.

A Demonstrated Commitment 

The demand for sustainability across all sectors is growing. Today, it's a value-add for customers. Tomorrow, it will be a requirement. And as energy prices soar, the pivot toward energy-efficient solutions will only accelerate.  

When student accommodation providers demonstrate that the planet has been prioritised down to the door handle, they establish a level of commitment that resonates and one that directly impacts how students perceive them and how their business will fare. 

In the future, student housing providers will need to evaluate every process, material and investment from the perspectives of sustainability, convenience and well-being. Today, we can meet that need before it arises, using technology to innovate towards a green future. That's what is right for business — and the planet.