The University of Worcester has clinched the title of most sustainable institution of the year at the Green Gowns in Glasgow.
Worcester was up against Aston and Gloucestershire universities for the big prize of the night, which recognises institutional action on environmentalism and sustainability.
The university was recognised for its democratic culture, sustainable campus and curriculum.
Recognising sustainability initiatives
The Green Gowns is an annual sustainability awards which has recognised exceptional initiatives in higher and further education institutions across the UK and Ireland since 2004.
The team from Nottingham Trent University beat off competition from Aston and Winchester to claim the Outstanding Leadership Team of the Year award. The prize is the only one of the night chosen by university peers in a round of live voting.
The University of Edinburgh – which was the most nominated institution this year – walked away with two of the seven awards it was up for. Edinburgh’s victory in the Total Reporting category is a big success for the institution, which was up against eight competitors. The prize is awarded in recognition of an institution’s transparent and relevant sustainability reporting.
Iain Patton, chair of the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education (EAUC) and host of awards, said: “Addressing the Climate Emergency has been the focus of EAUC’s work this year and will continue to be a key priority over the months ahead through our work with the newly-formed Climate Commission, which will work with UK institutions to ensure they reach the UK government’s target of reducing all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 at the very latest.
“It is a privilege to collaborate with the institutions recognised tonight, supporting them on pioneering initiatives that will contribute towards these emissions targets. There are a lot of questions at the moment from the general public, concerned about the Climate Crisis, concerned about how we will reach net zero, and these Awards identify and commend those that have some of the answers.”
This year, over 100 institutions made it to the finals, of which 84% were from the higher education sector. The EAUC administers the awards, which are judged by leading sector bodies.
Benefiting Society
Small Institution – Ayrshire College
Large Institution – Northumbria University
Campus Health, Food and Drink
Small Institution – Dundee and Angus College
Large Institution – University of Edinburgh
Campus of the Future
University of the West of Scotland (UWS Lanarkshire: A sustainable campus for sustainable minds)
Enterprise
Small Institution – Wiltshire College and University Centre
Large Institution – City, University of London
Money for Good
Small Institution – The London Institute of Banking and LiFE
Large Institution – University of Edinburgh
Next Generation Learning and Skills
University of Bristol
Research with Impact (Institution)
University of Gloucestershire
Student Engagement
University of Strathclyde
Sustainability Institution of the Year Award
University of Worcester
Tomorrow’s Employees
Manchester Metropolitan University
Total Reporting
University of Edinburgh
Outstanding Leadership Team of the Year
Nottingham Trent University
Research with Impact (Student)
Small Institution – Scott Stephens, Exeter College
Large Institution – James Boyd, University of Leicester
Sustainability Champion Award (Student)
Tom Bedford – Keele University
Sustainability Champion Award (Staff)
Zulfi Ali – Canterbury Christ Church University
