The University of Manchester emerges triumphant, securing the esteemed ‘2030 Climate Action’ prize at the prestigious UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards. This accolade recognizes the institution’s forward-thinking and innovative efforts aimed at decarbonizing its operations.
Celebrating pioneering sustainability initiatives across further and higher education, the Green Gown Awards acknowledged the University of Manchester’s outstanding work supporting its freshly launched Environmental Sustainability strategy, unveiled in July 2023.
Judges commended the institution’s approach as “honest, forward-looking, innovative, transferable, scalable, and holistic.” They highlighted the use of carbon budgeting techniques to drive the University’s Zero Carbon Masterplan, emphasizing ongoing evaluations and realistic assessments for future outcomes.
The prestigious award was conferred upon the University’s team at a ceremony held at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on Thursday, 30 November.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the significance of this win: “This recognition signals our serious commitment to achieving our zero carbon target. It’s a testament to the collaborative efforts of academic and professional services staff, deserving of their recognition.”
Richard Smith, Head of Environmental Sustainability, expressed delight at the University’s recognition: “We’re thrilled to receive this acknowledgment at the Green Gown Awards. Science guides every action we take, as devised by our colleagues at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.”
Highlighting the collaborative nature of this initiative, Smith underscored the shared insights with other Higher Education institutions and the local community, reflecting the collective approach to combatting climate change.
The University has garnered £157.3 million in funding from internal and external sources to drive sustainability objectives. Initiatives are already underway, including the operation of air-source heat pumps and the imminent launch of the first heat pump-only building next year, signaling further strides in the University’s sustainability journey.
The Environmental Sustainability strategy aligns with the institution’s core pillars of Teaching and Learning, Research and Discovery, and Social Responsibility. It emphasizes the integration of carbon commitments into all decision-making processes.
Charlotte Bonner, CEO of EAUC, the Green Gown Awards’ delivery partner, hailed the Awards’ showcasing of impactful sustainability endeavors within the post-16 education sector. Bonner expressed anticipation for these exemplar projects to inspire further actions for sustainability.
The 2023 UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards, held in collaboration with UK Research and Innovation, spotlight 20 Winners and 17 Highly Commended institutions, underscoring the collective commitment to driving sustainability across the education sector.
