Skip to navigation | Skip to main content | Skip to footer
Menu
Search the University of Manchester siteSearch Menu StaffNet

University hosts Green Gown Awards

04 Jul 2014

Sustainability champion provides perfect backdrop at Whitworth Hall

The University is to host the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) Green Gown Awards in November.

Now in their 10th year, the Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the UK. With sustainability moving up the agenda, the Awards have become established as the most prestigious recognition of best practice within the tertiary education sector.

This year’s awards ceremony will be held in our stunning Whitworth Hall in the neo-Gothic Whitworth Building. It is a listed building but despite its age and grandeur, we have worked hard to bring it in line with the University’s sustainability policy. One of the first universities to install fully recyclable LED lighting into a listed building back in 2009, we have reduced the lighting bill for the building by almost 50%.

Director of Social Responsibility Julian Skyrme said: "Social responsibility and sustainability are part of only three core goals we have at Manchester, sitting equally alongside our commitment to world-class research and outstanding learning. Building on the recognition we have received through the EAUC Green Gown awards in recent years, we are delighted to be hosting colleagues from the tertiary education sector for this prominent annual event in the higher and further education calendar."

The University is no stranger to the Green Gown Awards. In 2013 it was awarded the Green Gown Award for Social Responsibility – Winner (School Governors Scheme), which was also the International Winner. Our other awards are 2012 Courses – Winner; 2008 Residences – Winner; 2012 Social Responsibility – Finalist; 2012 Students Initiatives and Campaigns – Finalist; 2010 Carbon – Finalist; 2010 Courses – Highly Commended; 2009 Sustainable Construction – Finalist; and 2008 Courses – Highly Commended.