Green Gown Awards Brochure Launched

Universities and Colleges Show the Way to a Greener Future

The commitment of 14 further and higher education institutions to sustainable development is recognised in today’s publication of winning and commended entries in the 2007-8 Green Gown Awards. The brochure accompanies the initial launch of the 2009 Awards, which will be their 5th year, with applications accepted in January 2009 and culminating in a new prestigious Green Gown Award Banquet to be held on 23 June 2009 at Imperial College London.

With sustainability moving up the agenda, they have become established as a prominent recognition of the achievement within the further and higher education sector, as well as the environmental sector.

This year’s Awards recognised innovative action in eight key categories:

Colleges and Smaller Institutions – won by Lancaster and Morecambe College for its holistic approach to embedding sustainability into its activities;

Continuous Improvement – (institution-wide) won by the University of Gloucestershire for its strategic commitment to sustainability,
Continuous Improvement (projects) won by Sheffield Hallam University for its long-term initiatives to minimise transport impacts;

Courses – won by Bedford College for its development of vocational courses on renewable energy, green construction and related topics;

Energy and Water Efficiency – won by the University of Dundee for its innovative CHP development;

Residences – won by the University of Manchester for its work with students to reduce energy consumption and waste;

Social Responsibility – won by the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, for student projects with craftspeople in South African townships;

Student Initiatives – won by the Sustainable Living Action Group at Durham University for their campaigning and work in changing student lifestyles; and

Sustainable Construction – won by Somerset College of Arts and Technology for showcasing innovative materials and technologies in its Genesis Building.

Professor Peter James, co-director of HEEPI (Higher Education Environmental Performance Improvement project), which is part of the group of sector bodies who organise the Green Gown Awards, said: “Universities and colleges are under unprecedented pressure to demonstrate environmental and social responsibility.

“This is a key feature of a positive reputation amongst staff and students, and several schemes now compare performance. The sector must also respond to demanding new regulations such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment and Display Energy Certificates.”

He added: “The Awards demonstrate that many institutions are responding well, and highlight innovations that create greater environmental awareness amongst students and staff and the communities in which they live. They also show that many universities are building impressive track records of continuous improvement of performance, and demonstrating a commitment to greener buildings.”

The awards are organised in collaboration with AoC, AUDE, BUFDG, EAUC, Guild HE , HEEPI, HEFCE, NUS Services Ltd and Universities UK. They are also supported by CUBO, LSC, The Energy Consortium and other sector associations.

For more information on the Green Gown Awards, and to find out more about the winning projects and the 2009 Awards, click here.

Green Gown Winners and Commended Entries 2007-2008

Colleges and Smaller Institutions

Winner: Lancaster and Morecambe College

Highly Commended: John Wheatley College

Highly Commended: University of Cumbria

Continuous Improvement

Winner (projects): Sheffield Hallam University

Winner (whole institution): University of Gloucestershire

Highly Commended: University of Birmingham

Courses

Winner: Bedford College

Highly Commended: Somerset College of Arts and Technology

Highly Commended: University of Manchester

Highly Commended: University of Gloucestershire

Energy and Water Efficiency

Winner: University of Dundee

Highly Commended: Swansea Metropolitan University

Residences

Winner: University of Manchester

Social Responsibility

Winner: London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London

Highly Commended: University of Bedfordshire

Student Initiatives

Winner: Sustainable Living Action Group, Durham University

Highly Commended: Ethical Investment Campaign, University of St Andrews

Sustainable Construction

Winner: Somerset College of Arts and Technology

Highly Commended: University of Surrey