University of Edinburgh commended at Green Gown Awards 2023
The University was a finalist in two categories – Nature Positive and Next Generation Learning & Skills – and was highly commended in the Digital Futures category.
The Green Gown Awards, organised by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), recognise the exceptional efforts and innovations of educational institutions to address environmental and sustainability challenges.
Four projects were submitted for consideration this year and all received commendation.
These four nominations reflect the University of Edinburgh's continuing dedication to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and empowering its community to drive positive change.
Highly Commended: Digital Futures category
IT reuse: The circular economy in action
The IT Reuse Project has repurposed 5,300 computers and over 5,000 peripheral items such as keyboards, mice and monitors since 2015. As part of the University’s commitment to reduce consumption and waste, the project is one way it is working to create a circular economy, the sustainable reuse of resources within its own practices, avoiding 32 tonnes of electronic waste, generating cash savings of over half a million pounds and over 800 tonnes of CO2e.
The University has also donated computers to local schools, community groups and social enterprises who then redistribute the equipment to local people. This improves access to online learning and promotes a culture of repair and reuse.
Finalist: Nature Positive category
Building nature positive communities, campuses, and cities
The University estates encompasses a range of habitats and species. We proactively map, restore and conserve biodiversity on our campuses for two main reasons: to improve and create nature positive environments that support a wide range of plants, animals and fungi; and to provide beautiful spaces that enhance the health of staff, students and the wider Edinburgh community.
We’ve also been a Hedgehog Friendly Campus since 2019, actively improving habitats for this endangered species.
Finalist: Next Generation Learning and Skills category
Case Studies in Sustainable Development
The postgraduate course Case Studies in Sustainable Development offers students an opportunity to engage with real-world sustainability challenges and develop practical solutions through a combination of lectures, applied sustainability projects within the University of Edinburgh, and field-based experiential learning on the Isle of Eigg. The University's commitment to empowering its students with the knowledge and skills to tackle complex sustainability issues has earned it a well-deserved spot among the finalists.
Edinburgh Earth Fellows: Student power in urgent climate research
In a second nomination under the Next Generation Learning and Skills category, the Edinburgh Earth Initiative’s cross-university Earth Fellows programme has been recognised for its exceptional impact on urgent climate research. The programme has empowered students through paid, part-time work to lead and influence projects that focus on:
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climate change
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energy
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health
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ecosystems
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justice
Students work in collaboration with academics and professional services departments at the University of Edinburgh, as well as local and global partners. Earth Fellows also benefit from a community-building and skills development package, creating personal and professional connections with students and staff across the institution. They also take part in tailored skills sessions designed to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills to tackle the urgent climate crisis.
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About the Green Gown Awards
As the climate crisis is increasingly recognised as the most pressing issue our world faces, the Green Gown Awards put a spotlight on the innovative and inspiring sustainability work taking place in universities and colleges to create a brighter future for their students.
Established in 2004, the Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities, colleges and the learning and skills sectors across the UK and Ireland as the education sector leads a path to efficiency, employability and better quality of life all.
The University of Edinburgh has been honoured with numerous Green Gown Awards. Notable wins include the 2030 Climate Action, Campus Health, Food and Drink, and Sustainability Institution of the Year. The University has also been recognised for its research impact and achievements in promoting social responsibility and student-led initiatives.