On 13 November, representatives from Queen’s University Belfast attended the Green Gown Awards in Edinburgh where the University was awarded two Highly Commended accolades in the ‘Benefitting Society’ and ‘2030 Climate Action’ categories.

Established in 2004 in the UK and Ireland, the Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges. The Awards have become established as the most prestigious recognition of sustainability best practice within the further and higher education sector.

The Climate Action category recognised the University’s ambition and efforts to tackle climate change across all activities and also recognises our ambitious Net Zero 2040 Plan. This comprehensive action plan not only sets a clear path to achieving net zero emissions but also outlines strategies for adapting to the impacts of climate change. In developing the new plan, we undertook a net zero engagement campaign with staff, students and local residents. In addition to this, our commitment goes above and beyond the statutory requirements, addressing scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, focusing on actions which go far beyond NI statutory requirements. As a result, it is informing and supporting the development of NI government policy.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing Strategy 2030 and to contribute to our Highly Commended accolade in the Benefitting Society category, one of the ways the University nurtured a culture of sustainability was through ‘Reach Festival’, the University’s newly created Arts and Sustainability Festival. This festival is a new and innovative way in which sustainability is embedded across campus, whilst engaging communities, internal and external, on issues around the arts and sustainability. It examines the climate emergency and sustainable solutions via various art mediums including film screenings, performances, talks and art exhibitions and music. The purpose of the festival was to see how art can communicate about sustainability in instances where science communication may be less successful.

Professor Michael Alcorn, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability and Strategic Projects at Queen’s, said:

“As a University community, we are dedicated to social and civic responsibility and to supporting economic growth in an environmentally sustainable way. As part of Strategy 2030 and our ambitious Net Zero Plan, we have committed to embracing the Sustainable Development Goals across all our activities and to transitioning to a carbon neutral society. It is fantastic to see two of our key initiatives, our Net Zero 2040 Plan and annual Arts and Sustainability Festival, which have been driven by partnership-working between students, professional services and academic staff, recognised in this year’s Green Gown Awards.”

Commenting on the results, Charlotte Bonner, Chief Executive of EAUC, said:

“EAUC, and in turn, the Green Gown Awards, are both celebrating their 20th anniversaries this year, with the Green Gown Awards having been an integral part of the sector’s sustainability journey over the last two decades. This year’s outstanding winners and highly commended entries for the Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland once again provide an inspiring and diverse array of initiatives, from impactful projects to passionate individuals, all dedicated to advancing sustainability. These awards demonstrate that sustainability is a collaborative journey, not a competition, with each effort contributing to the broader goal of transformative change for the post-16 education sector and beyond. Congratulations to all our winners, highly commended entrants, and finalists.”

Dr Susan Simon, UKRI Environmental Sustainability Programme Director, said:

“Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Green Gown Awards. On this special 20th anniversary year, we are delighted to not just be celebrating the excellent achievements of this year’s finalists, but to also reflect back on the exceptional projects, initiatives and individuals that have been highlighted over the years. We look forward to many more years of the awards celebrating the innovative and inspirational projects that are helping our sector to reach net zero and address climate change.”

What the judges said

• Read what the judges said about our recognition for ‘Benefitting Society’.
• Read what the judges said about our recognition for ‘2030 Climate Action’.

About sustainability at Queen’s

Find out more on Sustainability at Queen’s here.