Now in their 17th year, the Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the UK and Ireland. With sustainability moving up the agenda, the Awards have become established as the most prestigious recognition of best practice within the tertiary education sector.
Having been a leading participant in the United Nations negotiations to develop 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development, the UK and Ireland must fulfil its commitment to deliver the Goals. For this to happen, it is clear from the hundreds of applicants to the Green Gown Awards that the Government must invest more in the solutions being developed in our Higher and Further Education institutes. They are leading the way as agents of change within our communities at home and abroad.
Between the Finalists, the projects touch on every department and permeate across the whole curriculum. They are conducted by students, staff, academics, external stakeholders and can be found across the UK and Ireland.
Here they share their inspirational examples of sustainability best practice, together with some words of advice and encouragement on lessons learnt along the way when implementing their projects. We hope many will be inspired and motivated by these sustainability projects.
East End Community Garden Project
Period Positive
Clean Growth UK (three regional hubs, the University of Brighton, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Portsmouth)
A new relationship with nature - for human and nature’s wellbeing
Renewable Engine
Out of the fire and into the electric pressure cooker - sparking a clean cooking revolution on a global scale
Sustainable Fashion Glossary
Thinking globally, working locally: Co-developing net zero solutions at scale
An agricultural bio-economy: From green dream to sustainable reality
The UWE Zero Carbon Framework: Enhancement short courses for built environment students and professionals
Sustainability in Action: A short interactive online course designed by students for students introducing the UN’s SDGs
Students as Change Agents
If you go down to the woods today
Using Quality Improvement to build sustainable value in healthcare
Future-fit fashion and textiles: A whole school approach towards transforming the industry
If you go down to the woods today, you’ll see what the buzz is about
Inspiring sustainable curriculum initiatives
Ruskin Modules: Working together on ‘wicked’ problems
Enactus Southampton - Future Brew
Toast of the Town by Enactus Leicester