National Union of Students’ Glitzy Green Awards Ceremony reaches out to a million students

20th March 2008

Loughborough Students’ Union reclaimed a prestigious environmental award at a glitzy awards ceremony on Tuesday 18th March 2008 for the second year running. Over a million students will have seen environmental best practice in place as a result of 67 Unions entering into these awards.

Ranging from Keele to Kent, Dundee to Derby, a total of 67 Students’ Unions across the UK took part in the scheme in the second year. The Sound Impact Awards is an accreditation scheme to help Students’ Unions do their bit for the environment.

From recycling glass and energy efficient light bulbs in the Union building to hosting tea dances and swap shops in the community– only those Unions that meet the twenty one essential criteria gain Bronze Standard and above.

The nine greenest Unions received prestigious hand-made sculptures made from recycled window glass. Three more Unions’ received Awards for Innovation, the most improved score and meeting community based eco challenges supported main sponsors The Co-operative Bank and Office Depot and media partners The Ecologist Magazine headed by environmentalist Zac Goldsmith.

Anna Heywood, Project Founder and Sound Impact Awards auditor, said:
“Given a bit of fun competition, the evidence shows that SUs have really striven to improve and out-do each other this year, which was one of the original aims of the scheme.
Anna added “Those at the working towards level are starting to get to grips with the issue. I am very proud of the progress all Unions are making.”

Joint founders of Coolaworld- a planet saving shopping portal and carbon coaching services - Richard Kilgariff and Julian Knight hosted the event. Co-founder of Coolaworld Richard Kilgariff said: “We are delighted to be part of the Sound Impact Awards – an awards ceremony that recognises and encourages people to care about the environment.”

Loughborough Students’ Union was named the overall winner of the Sound Impact Awards 2008 with a score of 421.