Sustainability Rewards is the University of Edinburgh’s behaviour change programme, run by Team Jump. In our latest Sustainability Engagement Masterclass, we explore how rewards can motivate behaviour change and connect sustainability to everyday decisions.
Hosted by Rob Marsh and featuring Lauren McLeron from the University of Edinburgh, this session shows how a well-designed programme engages large and diverse audiences. It also demonstrates how Sustainability Rewards moves the University of Edinburgh beyond awareness and into consistent action.
You can watch the full recording here:
Why sustainability rewards depend on people and culture
At the University of Edinburgh, tens of thousands of students and staff make daily decisions that shape environmental impact, so engagement must influence behaviour in a way that feels natural and accessible.
Sustainability Rewards supports this shift because it connects individual actions to a wider purpose. When your programme sits within everyday routines, it helps people take ownership of sustainability without feeling overwhelmed. As a result, sustainability becomes part of the culture.
You do not need to convince people to care. Instead, you need to understand what already matters to them. Once you make that connection, sustainability rewards provide a consistent way to motivate action and strengthen engagement over time.
How Sustainability Rewards aligns with existing motivations
Climate messaging on its own rarely creates sustained engagement, so you need to frame sustainability in a way that feels relevant to each individual.
Students often care about wellbeing and connection, while staff focus on recognition or progress in their roles. Researchers prioritise efficiency and impact, especially in demanding environments. Sustainability rewards bring these motivations together by linking everyday actions to meaningful outcomes.
This approach ensures that sustainability feels like an opportunity rather than an obligation. When people see a clear personal benefit alongside wider impact, they engage more consistently. Over time, this alignment strengthens participation and supports deeper behaviour change across your organisation.
How Sustainability Rewards creates flexible engagement pathways
People engage in different ways, so your programme needs to reflect that reality. At Edinburgh, engagement operates as an evolving ecosystem instead of a fixed journey, and this mindset helps reach a broader audience.
Through sustainability rewards, you provide simple ways for people to take action even when time is limited. Small actions such as switching off equipment or choosing reusable options build confidence and support habit-forming behaviour. At the same time, your programme guides members towards more impactful activities at their own pace.
This flexibility ensures that engagement remains inclusive and relevant. It also allows your programme to adapt as audience needs change. When people feel they can engage in a way that suits them, they stay involved and continue building sustainable habits.
How Sustainability Rewards supports data, recognition, and growth
Engagement work often feels difficult to quantify, yet a strong platform tracks actions, shows participation, and highlights which activities drive the most impact.
This insight helps you demonstrate value to senior leadership and strengthens decision-making. As your programme develops, data reveals what works and highlights areas for improvement. This creates a feedback loop that supports continuous growth.
Recognition also plays an important role in sustaining engagement. When individuals and teams feel their efforts are valued, they continue to take action. Sustainability rewards create these moments of recognition while reinforcing positive behaviours across your organisation.
Many teams begin with a pilot approach. This allows you to test sustainability rewards in a controlled way and gather evidence before scaling your programme.
Building long-term change
When you centre your approach on people, align with existing motivations, and provide flexible ways to engage, you create a programme that supports everyday behaviour change.
This approach builds a culture where sustainability becomes part of how people think and work. Over time, small actions add up and create meaningful impact across your organisation.
If you are ready to take the next step, you can request a demo of our sustainability rewards programme and see how we support your team in driving meaningful change.
