The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for a national sustainability award, recognising its efforts to embed sustainability across its curriculum, campuses and the wider community.
Director of Sustainability, Katy Boom, at the Sustainability Hub
It has been named a finalist in the Creating Impact category of the Green Gown Awards for its work over more than a decade, in collaboration with students and through strong community partnerships.
Director of Sustainability, Katy Boom, said: "We are proud to have been shortlisted. This highlights the power of our whole-institution approach to sustainability, where students, staff and partners work together to deliver real impact.”
She continued: “What makes this especially rewarding is that much of this success has been achieved through low-cost, scalable initiatives that prove sustainability is not about resources alone, but about people working together and the drive to make a difference.”
“We are proud that this work is helping to support biodiversity, strengthen community partnerships and create opportunities for people across our region to take part in positive sustainability action,” added Katy.
The Green Gown Awards recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives by universities and colleges. The Creating Impact category recognises institutions that have achieved significant sustainability-related outcomes, on-campus or within their community, using minimal or limited resources. Winners will be announced in November.
The University's entry focused on the impact of its sustainability work over the past 17 years, delivered through collaboration between a small central team and students.
The University opened a Sustainability Hub on campus two years ago, providing a dedicated space for students and staff for events and activities, while a Sustainability Forum is open to students, staff and community members, allowing everyone to have their say about the University’s sustainability work going forward.
The Campus Conservation Crew brings together students, staff and local volunteers to support biodiversity across the University's campuses. Other initiatives include bird and tree identification walks and the student-led digital sustainability magazine, susthingsout.com.
Green Impact projects are run on campus, in which students take active roles working with staff teams and community organisations. The University has also developed its connections with local authorities and community organisations to extend its impact beyond campus.
The University has a strong track record in sustainability, having been named Sustainability Institution of the Year at the 2019 Green Gown Awards before receiving international recognition at the United Nations. Last year, it was shortlisted again for its work to enhance biodiversity across its campuses.
Ranked among the UK's most sustainable institutions for more than a decade by the People & Planet League, it was also an early signatory to the UN Sustainable Development Goals Accord and has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.