Green Gown Awards 2014 - Research & Development - University of Cambridge - Finalist

A platform for research and action: The Living Laboratory for Sustainability

The Living Laboratory has allowed students from diverse academic backgrounds to create dynamic research projects, identifying solutions to the environmental sustainability challenges the University faces by using the estate to test and research their ideas.

With funding from Santander, through its Santander Universities Global Division, it has improved the educational experience of students, as well as empowering staff to suggest and steer environmental research and providing a tool for Estate Management to improve the environmental practices of the University. The University has benefited by tapping into
the resources offered by its brightest minds, and harnessing the energy of students, staff and academics keen to help identify and then address the environmental problems encountered on the estate. The Living Laboratory has also led to closer working relationships between Estate Management and academic colleagues across the University, broadening perspectives and allowing for effective knowledge sharing. The University is not only teaching content, but teaching how to make use of content, developing critical thinkers and positive change agents. Both course team and learners have felt empowered to take the small steps that can significantly contribute towards sustainability.

Top 3 learnings

1 Align research and University priorities
2 Never underestimate the importance of coordination
3 Communicate opportunities and results.