University of Leicester
From Research to Real-World Change: GreenerFuture Leicestershire
Finalist, Benefitting Society
About
Translating research into real-world action at scale, the University of Leicester’s GreenerFuture Leicestershire Advisory Service redefined how universities can support local business communities to deliver meaningful sustainability change. In just 11 months, the small (3.5FTE) team engaged over 1,300 SMEs, provided structured support to 419 organisations and delivered in-depth consultancy to 61 businesses. Participating organisations are estimated to reduced 186 tonnes CO₂e reduction (using the Carbon Literacy Project methodology) and demonstrated a strong return on investment. The project also produced a wealth of publicly available resources to extend impact and replicability. Businesses implemented tangible changes including energy-efficiency upgrades, procurement improvements and structured sustainability planning. Case studies show organisations moving from uncertainty to confident action, with several securing funding or making capital investments as a direct result. By combining research insight with trusted, place-based delivery, the University created a scalable, replicable model that reaches SMEs typically excluded from sustainability initiatives.
Top 3 learnings
- Trusted, place-based engagement is essential for reaching previously disengaged SMEs.
- Reframing sustainability through business priorities unlocks meaningful, lasting action and avoids ideology.
- Short funding constrains reach, but dissemination and open resources let others build on our success.
What it would mean to win
Recognition for the exceptional work put in by a small team to deliver astonishing impact in the region.
SDG
| 2026 | |
| Benefitting Society | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
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