Across the NUS campus, environmental student groups are sparking a movement for sustainability, transforming ideas into impactful actions. With a mission to address pressing challenges like climate change, resource conservation, and biodiversity loss, these passionate changemakers are driving environmental stewardship in every corner of the community.
There are currently more than 20 environmental student groups in NUS striving towards environmental sustainability in their respective communities. 1.5degreeNUS is one such group with a purpose to make sustainability accessible and integral to all disciplines.
The name “1.5degreeNUS” carries a profound significance, drawing inspiration from the 2015 Paris Agreement. This landmark international accord committed nations to limit the rise in global average temperatures to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels — a critical threshold to mitigate catastrophic climate change. By adopting this name, the student group highlights its alignment with this urgent global goal and underscores the importance of climate action.
Judith Ko, President of 1.5degreeNUS tells OSA more about what they do and how you can make a difference too.
OSA: What sparked your personal interest in sustainability?
Judith: Taking H2 Geography in junior college allowed me to understand how environmental and social issues are deeply intertwined. Learning about topics like urban heat islands or water scarcity showed me how localised problems often stem from and contribute to global systems. This complexity fascinated me and made me realise the urgency of addressing sustainability from multiple dimensions, not just purely an environmental lens.
Judith Ko from Faculty of Science began her journey in sustainability after pursuing H2 Geography in Junior College.
OSA: What drives 1.5degreeNUS in its mission?
Judith: 1.5degreeNUS is a student-led organisation dedicated to equipping the student body with essential sustainability technical skills and industry-related knowledge. Through this, we hope to make it easier for non-environmental sustainability majors to pursue related careers. We believe sustainability lies at the core of academic and professional pursuits, and that it should not be treated as a niche area but as a foundational principle cutting across disciplines.
OSA: What sets 1.5degreeNUS apart from other green groups in NUS?
Judith: We focus on providing industry-relevant, capacity-building experiences. We collaborate with companies to organise field trips and conduct workshops that allow students to learn, observe, and share sustainability concepts such as carbon markets, climate policies, and climate justice. For instance, our members participated in a field trip to a local electronic waste collection company, ALBA, where they learnt about e-waste recovery and recycling technologies.
Participants at a Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) workshop organised by 1.5degreeNUS.
OSA: Who is a key eco-champion that motivates your team, and how has their work influenced your approach to sustainability?
Judith: Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer at City Developments Limited (CDL) has been a pioneer in embedding sustainability into business strategy, exemplifying how the environment can permeate every sector. She has championed the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles across the company’s operations, from issuing Singapore’s first green bond to securing CDL’s position on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations list. She underscores our belief that sustainability is fundamental to every discipline, inspiring us to make sustainability a core aspect of our professional pursuits regardless of what field we are in.
OSA: How would you encourage NUS students interested in sustainability but don’t know where to begin?
Judith: Join a student group focused on sustainability, be it within or outside NUS! Being part of a community with like-minded individuals offers a sense of direction as well as exposure to new ideas and opportunities. Collaborating with others often makes the process less overwhelming and more impactful, as the peer-to-peer learning enables students to work together towards tangible goals. For instance, in our peer-led analyst teams, members exchange knowledge, insights, and experiences about a sustainability topic they are passionate about. This creates a supportive environment to encourage mutual learning. In the long run, adopting a collaborative model builds greater momentum towards achieving our sustainability goals.
1.5degreeNUS provides industry and peer-learning opportunities to students interested in making an impact in sustainability.
OSA: What exciting initiatives can we expect from 1.5degreeNUS in 2025?
Judith: 1.5degreeNUS is organising discussions and workshops on environmental policy or policy-making to introduce students with insights into real-world sustainability frameworks. We are strengthening collaborations with various green student groups on campus to foster a united approach toward sustainability goals. Our analyst teams will be presenting their findings in Semester 2, offering perspectives on the latest developments and trends in sustainability. We will also be organising field trips to various industries, promoting experiential learning.
1.5degreeNUS is just one of many student groups driving sustainability at NUS. In 2024, the university introduced the NUS Eco Champions Recognition award at the NUS Achievement Awards to honour student groups like SunNUS, NUSSU Rag Day, and Tembusu College for their outstanding efforts in integrating eco-conscious practices.
Click to watch how these groups are shaping a greener campus.
Share:
Contributor
Office of Student Affairs
