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Over the course of the last year, the University of Sussex has been taking part in Green Impact – a programme offered by the charity SOS-UK which supports and enables organisations, universities, colleges, community institutions and students’ unions all over the country to create more sustainable working environments.   

At Sussex, the programme provides a comprehensive roadmap to economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Teams consisting of individuals from a variety of roles and backgrounds collaborate to implement actions over the course of the year. On 20 June, the outstanding teams gathered to receive their awards, honouring and celebrating the significant positive changes and efforts made by numerous individuals. Overall, 15 departments gained awards, five receiving Gold awards, six Silver awards, and four Bronze awards.  

Supported by the bespoke Green Impact toolkit, teams of staff and students across the University have been making changes in their work environments across areas such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, biodiversity and ethical procurement. Enthusiastic students volunteered to be Project Assistants, helping their assigned teams to excel by providing project management expertise, fresh insight, and plenty of encouragement.   

Depending on the amount of changes made, and the level of difference achieved, teams were awarded either a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award as recognition for their participation and effective behavioural change. Special awards were given to individuals and teams who have shown particular enthusiasm or carried out actions of notable innovation. The awards event was rounded up with a workshop on developing the toolkit actions for the programme’s relaunch next week.    

Martha Knott, Sustainability Engagement Manager at the University of Sussex, says: “We had been looking forward to revealing all the prizes at the awards ceremony, so it was brilliant to celebrate the amazing efforts made by so many people at the University and reward our Green Impact teams. We're pleased to see so many actively engaged members of the community, dedicated to making positive changes and supporting our efforts to make Sussex one of the most sustainable universities in the world.”  

For more information on the awards ceremony or Green Impact, please get in touch with Holly Jenkins on 07919323639 and Holly.Jenkins@sos-uk.org.