Green Gown Awards 2016 – Leadership Award – Professor Jim Longhurst – Winner

Jim  Longhurst, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Environment and Sustainability - University of the West of England,  Bristol

Jim Longhurst has transformed UWE’s engagement with the environment and sustainability agenda, embedding consideration of sustainability in to the university’s business decisions, educational offering, estate management and interactions with the local communities. His actions have enabled UWE, Bristol to include   sustainability in every UG and PG   degree programmes benefitting   all students, irrespective of their programme of study.

Jim is committed to ensuring that graduates are equipped to face  the sustainable development challenges of the 21st century by  integrating sustainability into curricula, research and campus operations. He has established high level policy support, embedded sustainability in routine processes, embraced diverse ways to achieve sustainability goals, developed novel approaches to communicating strategy and worked tirelessly to distribute ownership, accountability and responsibility in the routine processes of UWE.  

As a leader in the sustainability field Jim works with HEA, HEFCE, QAA, EAUC, NUS and professional bodies to promote sustainability policy and practice. 

Top 3 learnings 

1 Take the long term view and be clear about the goal

2 Look for short term gains to illustrate progress and win hearts and minds

3 Be confident that systemic change can occur.

Videos

• Jim Longhurst, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Environment and Sustainability - University of the West of England, Bristol (click to hide)