Double Green Gown win for the University of Leicester
The University of Leicester has scooped two more prestigious Green Gown Awards for our innovative student-focussed programmes, once again demonstrating Leicester as a leader in inter- and extra-curricular Education for Sustainable Development opportunities.
Now in their 20th year, the 2024 UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards, in association with UKRI, recognise exceptional environmental and sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities, colleges and the learning and skills sector across the UK and Ireland.
The Sustainability Enterprise Partnership Project (SEPP) module won the ‘Tomorrow’s Employees’ category. This innovative, credit-bearing course enables student ‘sustainability advisors’ to collaborate with local businesses to tackle pressing sustainability challenges head-on. Empowering students to lead interdisciplinary initiatives, SEPP is setting the standard for real-world ESD approaches in Higher Education.
What the judges thought: “An inspirational and innovative educational initiative delivering research-inspired education in a real-world context. The approach earns “rave reviews” from students and businesses for its hands-on, employment-centred approach. The project successfully spans academic learning and the business community. It has reach well beyond the University and enables students to develop well as future employees.
The project benefits businesses who understand better the significance of sustainable approaches and learners who attain practical employability skills through active business engagement.”
Food Rescue Volunteers – 1000 sandwiches saved won highly commended in the ‘Student Engagement’ category. The Food Rescue Volunteers Society is a shining example of how collaboration between passionate students and the University of Leicester can spark transformative change.
What the judges thought: “A clear, simple and effective initiative which has become increasingly student-led over time, and deliberately so. Good to see some community involvement, with scope to do more. This initiative feels readily replicable – inspired judges to want to implement this in their institutions, and to know more on how it was done. Good co-benefits and an impressive number of sandwiches saved!”