Cambridge University won two awards at the Green Gown Awards virtual ceremony on 18/11 for its environmental justice work, announced in a Tweet by Cambridge’s sustainability team on 22/11.

The Green Gown Awards UK recognise sustainability initiatives at universities across the UK and Ireland, with award categories recognising universities for taking significant steps to meet climate goals by 2030, offering sustainable food and drink on campus, and publishing impactful research.

International Green Gown awards are also released every year; Cambridge did not feature in this year’s international winners.

Cambridge won the Reporting with Influence award, a category that assesses how universities report their sustainability measures and the influence of these reports within institutions.

The judges stated that Cambridge’s annual sustainability report was “an engaging read, with honesty about performance and balance in the reporting”. They were “impressed by the activity and the involvement, particularly of students and staff beyond the core sustainability team, in driving initiatives”.

Professor Stephen Toope, Vice-Chancellor of the University, stated: “Winning this Award is not only an achievement for the University, but also for those who rightly expect institutions with influence to accurately and openly communicate their sustainability journey. We have worked hard to improve our sustainability reporting and communications, and are absolutely delighted to receive this Award.”

Cambridge was also highly commended in the 2030 Climate Action category, based on the goals universities set to reduce their emissions by 2030 and the plans they implement for achieving them.

The judges of Cambridge’s entry were “impressed by the science-based target approach across this very large and multi-college university. There is clearly rigour in application, and carbon savings being made. At the same time, there is action around scope 3 and evident external engagement and sharing of learning.”

The award was won overall by Edinburgh University, with Cambridge and Newcastle University both being highly commended.

Professor Toope commented: “This celebrates our collective progress and bold strategic direction, while also looking to a net-zero future for the University that puts resilience, innovation and partnership at its heart.”