Westminster Business School students visit Stockholm for sustainability-focused trip

Thirty students studying on the Business Management BA Honours course had the opportunity to take a four-day trip to Stockholm, Sweden, where they learnt first-hand how sustainability can be integrated into urban development.

As one of Europe's most sustainable cities, Stockholm plans to become fossil fuel-free by 2040 and, like Westminster, is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The trip was led by Beverley Marsland, Course Leader of the Business Management BA Honours course, who applied to the Quintin Hogg Trust (QHT) for a grant to take 30 students to Stockholm to develop their understanding of sustainable practices in urban environments. The QHT supports the educational advancement of students at the University of Westminster and provided funding for the field trip, which allowed 17 final-year and 13 second-year students to join the visit. The trip was also supported by Senior Lecturer Dr Gustavo Espinoza-Ramos and Lecturer Amanda Capucci Polzin from the School of Management and Marketing.

The field trip ran from 29 October to 1 November and involved a variety of sustainable activities, including a walking tour around Stockholm, a visit to the Nobel Prize Museum and a guided bike tour around the city. About the bike tour, final-year student Diana Mohammed said: "Taking a bike tour around Stockholm was a great way to experience the city's commitment to sustainable transport. As I rode through the streets, it was clear how seamlessly sustainability is integrated into daily life from renewable energy powering public transport to the city's bike friendly infrastructure."

Students also visited the Skansen Open Air Museum and enjoyed a boat cruise around the city. Final-year student Faria Mahmud said: "A standout experience was the archipelago cruise tour, which allowed us to witness Stockholm's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and waterways first-hand. This experience emphasised the balance Stockholm achieves between urban development and environmental conservation."

About the trip, final-year student Drilena Ukperaj said: "In Stockholm, I had the chance to see first-hand how sustainability is seamlessly integrated into daily life. From public transport powered by renewable energy to a city-wide cycling infrastructure, the city's commitment to eco-friendly solutions is both ambitious and inspiring. This experience has deepened my adaptability, cultural awareness and practical understanding of sustainable urban development."

Dr Gustavo Espinoza-Ramos commented: "The trip to Stockholm provided our students with an opportunity for experiential learning, where students witnessed firsthand the city's innovative approaches to sustainability. Moreover, this experience enhanced their problem-solving skills, cultural awareness and resilience."

He added: "The trip also played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and belonging among the students and colleagues. Travelling together and sharing experiences as a group helped us build strong bonds and a supportive network.

On behalf of Beverley and Amanda, we are grateful to the university and students for being part of this opportunity, which helps strengthen our university community."

This trip directly contributed to the United Nations SDGs 4: Quality Education, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and 13: Climate Action. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Learn more about Business and Management courses at the University of Westminster.

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