Green Gown Awards 2017 - University of Glasgow - Finalist

This award in the leadership category recognises the nominee's role in developing a whole institution approach to sustainability over five years (2012-2017).  Our strategy was grounded in the academic approach taken by leading environmental researchers, and encompassed the 'five capitals' - natural (the earth's natural resources), human (the skills and knowledge of our people), social (the institutions that help us develop our human capital), manufactured (technological solutions) and financial (the financial resources we bring to bear on the sustainability agenda).  We then crafted this into a broad set of objectives which attracted widespread support across the University.   

The comprehensive programme involved staff and students in a broad range of activities - it encompassed everything from intra-mural competitions to reduce waste, to major international research projects.  Over time, the sustainability agenda came to be seen as an integral part of the University's value-driven mission. 

Top 3 learnings:

1 It is important to involve the whole institution in the sustainability agenda. 

2 Making the agenda interesting and enjoyable helps to win hearts and minds. 

3 An element of team competition can be useful in engaging people and gaining profile.