Durham University
James Manson
Finalist, Sustainability Champion - Student
Finalist
About
James Manson has led an exceptional range of environmental initiatives at Durham University.
Within Grey College, as Environment and Ethics Officer, he has shaped policy, raised funds, and empowered peers to take forward sustainability projects. He led the Grey Goes Green biodiversity project, delivering new habitats, coordinating volunteers, and embedding circular‑economy principles by using local contractors, locally-grown plants and reused materials. This has inspired similar nature‑recovery projects across other colleges, creating the beginnings of a connected biodiversity network.
At the university more widely, James has chaired the Greenspace Student Engagement Group, advancing initiatives on waste reduction, circular wardrobes, sustainable procurement, and reusable cup schemes.
He has contributed to major institutional work, including reviewing the new mandatory sustainability module and representing all students on the University’s highest environmental strategy group. Entirely through voluntary commitment, James has become a catalyst for cultural change, demonstrating impactful student leadership, and leaving a lasting legacy.
Top 3 learnings
- I learnt that students respond better to initiatives led by their peers rather than those delivered by staff.
- I learnt students have the ability to influence decisions at the most senior levels, driving meaningful change.
- I learnt that small actions can multiply to make a difference which can empower students.
What it means to win
The Green Gown Awards are the most highly regarded recognition of environmental best practice within our sector. To receive recognition from peers and those closely connected to sustainability and higher and further education is especially meaningful. It is inspiring to see and read of the practice and progress of other education institutions through the Green Gown Awards, so it is would be exciting to help set the benchmark and inspire others with our own work. This award submission focuses on the engagement especially of our students - winning it would honour their ongoing and growing efforts to make changes that impact our campus and our wider world and show them how much we value that.
SDG
| 2026 | |
| Sustainability Champion - Student | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
More from the 2026 awards
Charles Sturt University
Restoring Nature, Inspiring Futures: 20+ Years of Biodiversity Leadership
Read More
Finalist, Nature Positive
Green Gown Award Regions
Australasia
