Congratulations to winners and runners-up at the University’s first Sustainability Action Awards

The awards honour members of the University community who have shown leadership in sustainability – in the University and the local community

Many thanks to everyone who entered the awards. The judges were impressed by the quality of applications and delighted to learn more about the range of activities undertaken by students and staff. Applications varied from a sustainability gameshow for outreach events, charity fundraising through ethical jewellery and clothing design, to work cycling events and initiatives improving the quality of life of villagers in Bambouti.

The awards ceremony was attended by over 50 people, with Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Judith Petts CBE – the University’s Sustainability Champion – leading the ceremony, and the awards being presented by SUSU President David Gilani and Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Ace.

Huge congratulations to all the winners and runners-up.

Read more about the winners here:

Outstanding individual student contribution – Oliver Robinson
Oliver is a member of Hampshire Scout Expeditions, a Hampshire-based County Scout Group dedicated to the training and development of young scouts in Hampshire aged between 14 and 18. In August-October 2013, Oliver gained valuable experience as a leader of a six-week expedition to Nepal. He led 11, 14-18 year olds to the Everest Region of the Himalayas.

Outstanding individual staff contribution – Dr Tony Curran
Tony wanted to create an interactive and engaging way to talk to students about sustainability that replaced traditional lectures. He designed a game show, which has already been run for more than 300 participants in a variety of formats. Participants leave with an improved sense of why being a responsible citizen is important and what steps they can take to reduce their carbon footprint.

Outstanding performance by a group of students – Cameroon Catalyst
Cameroon Catalyst aims to provide an improved quality of life for those living in eastern rural Cameroon by the provision of infrastructure and development. Over the past four years, they have worked in the village of Bambouti providing them with a medical centre, mechanics workshop, school buildings and a sustainable electricity supply using solar panels. The team promotes sustainability by designing and funding projects and using the skills of local people in the village for the majority of the actual construction.
The team are: Charlie Steer, Charlotte McCarthy, Ant Morris, Gervaise Turbervill, Katherine Morgan, Charlotte Youe, Emily Smith, Mikey Harper, Daniel Crisp and Matt Ducket

Outstanding sustainability performance by a group of staff – NETSCC cycling promotion team
A team at NETSCC worked together to encourage people at the Science Park to participate in Cycle to Work day in September 2013. The team arranged for a number of exhibitors to support the event, such as Sustrans and local bike shops. 81 people who work at the Science Park registered on the day (both cyclists in the morning and attendees of the lunchtime event).
The team are: Jenny Dodds, Richard Lakin, Amy Street, Kathy Tier and Gill Warner

Outstanding partnership between staff and students – Sustainability Zone team
In 2012-13, student officers indicated a strong demand for more fully embedding sustainability, a core value, within SUSU. As part of SUSU’s new zone plan from 2013 onwards, the Sustainability Zone was created. Its purpose is to ensure a balance of social, environmental and economic development within SUSU and for its members. The Sustainability Zone aims to bring together students who are passionate about the range of areas that contribute to a more sustainable student life; the environment, ethics, employability and equality.
The team are: Beckie Thomas, Nickola Moore, Teresa Kennard, Wild Bottomley, Charlotte Hollands and Tom Gleeson.

This event was supported by the University’s Carbon Management Fund – a £4m investment in ideas that will reduce the institution’s carbon emissions and improve the sustainability of our campuses.

The awards will be displayed on campus with an explanation of each of the winners’ work.