The Students' Union and UWE Bristol were awarded the big prize of ‘Sustainability Institution of the Year” at EAUC’s Green Gown Awards. In its 19th year, the 2023 awards, presented in collaboration with UK Research and Innovation, occurred in Liverpool on 30 November and recognises Sustainability Excellence in Tertiary Education.

The evening was a showcase of innovation, featuring a diverse array of projects led by universities and colleges across the UK and Ireland. These initiatives are actively contributing to positive change, reflecting the commitment of academic institutions to drive innovation and make a significant impact.

The Students’ Union at UWE Bristol were also a finalist for our sustainability period work and in collaboration with UWE for work on climate anxiety (Climate, Conversations and Cake (the 3C's)), a successful campaign in which students’ emotional reactions to the climate emergency were listened to and prioritised.

What the Judges said: “This is a wonderful initiative that tackles several issues including period poverty and environmental concerns. The complementary workshop with inclusive language is positive too. The survey/evaluation data emphasises the value of the intervention. This is a project that should be run out throughout the sector.”

In addition, The Students’ Union at UWE and UWE Bristol were Highly Commended in “Creating Impact” Category for “Circular economy in action!” – read more here about our work on the new Sustainability Hub, Placement Uniform Swap Shop and ethical fashion!

What the Judges said: “Impressed with this as an initiative —a clever collaboration that effectively utilized and reconfigured space and to this end, it appears quite replicable across the sector. The scale of learning and evidence presented was robust, showcasing a strong foundation. Appreciated the student-focused approach, and it's evident that the project is expanding with notable energy and momentum. There's potential for further growth, and the engagement with students is commendable. Overall, the application is well put together and reflects a promising initiative.”

As UWE Bristol has set 2030 Strategy is working to address the urgency of the climate and ecological crisis and strives to fulfil the university’s role in the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals it is not a surprise that The Students’ Union at UWE and UWE Bristol has won this prestigious award.

What the Judges said: “A great initiative, and one that we felt really stood out due to the holistic approach to sustainability and the collaboration efforts between the HEI, SU and students to create tangible impact. This project has a great opportunity to be scaled across the country creating sizeable impact across the sector.”

The recognition of The Students' Union and UWE Bristol as 'Sustainability Institution of the Year' is a testament to their significant commitment to a greener future. It not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires a collective dedication to environmental consciousness within the academic community. Congratulations on this well-deserved honour!