Robert Gordon University
Kemi Odunsi-Ujiagbe
Finalist, Sustainability Champion - Student
Finalist
About
Kemi is a multi-award-winning Sustainability Strategist and Certified Management Consultant serving as Sustainability Project Lead of the Kaim Shop Sustainability Project at Robert Gordon University. Recognised as Scotland's Sustainability Champion of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and two-time recipient of the Volunteer Project of the Year award, she has transformed a small student initiative into one of Scotland's most impactful higher education sustainability movements. Since September 2024, she has mobilised over 2,000 students into active circular economy practices, developed 70 trained sustainability advocates, repurposed approximately one tonne of waste from landfill, generated over 1,800 volunteering hours valued at approximately £23,000, and secured approximately £70,000 in Gift in Kind resources. Her Physics Science and MSc in Business Management and Sustainability background gives her rare scientific and strategic depth. She continues to build movements that outlast her presence in the room.
Top 3 learnings
- We built leaders not just participants. Sustainability movements need people who truly own it.
- Our circular economy impact grew fastest when students solved problems they personally experienced.
- We cannot control what leaves our hands. Measuring downstream impact matters as much as diversion
What it means to win
Winning a Green Gown Sustainability Champion Award would demonstrate that RGU nurtures and supports individuals who go beyond their formal roles to drive meaningful sustainability change. It would validate that genuine, community-led circular economy impact can emerge from within an institution when individuals are empowered to lead. For RGU, this recognition would strengthen its sustainability profile nationally, support its Net Zero commitments, and signal to students, staff, and partners that sustainability leadership is valued and celebrated at the highest level. Most importantly it would inspire other students and community members to step forward and lead. One person's recognition becomes a community's motivation. That ripple effect from individual champion to collective action is exactly what sustainable institutions are built on.
SDG
| 2026 | |
| Sustainability Champion - Student | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
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Green Gown Award Regions
Australasia
