Green Gown Awards 2021: 2030 Climate Action - University of the West of England - Finalist

Tending the conditions for climate action to flourish

This project is about embedding truly sustainable, transformational change by creating the conditions for emergence of Climate Action within the UWE community, following the principles of systems thinking. It is about recognising that the institution is complex, that traditional cultural change programmes are not long-lasting or quick. It is about appreciating that staff and students know “their” area of the university best and are in the optimum position to make change. Their role as active agents to keep UWE focused and developing in our sustainability ambitions is crucial. 

It is about facilitating action to target the areas of greatest impact and influence. It is about letting go - seeing ourselves as the gardeners, seeing what will grow if we create fabulous conditions and plant many seeds. It is about enabling, creating confidence, encouraging action, and having a model to frame actions on to grow cautious optimism.

Top 3 learnings:

• Creating an adaptable approach to suit the conditions of each specific group is fundamental.
• Creating an empowering environment that enables individuals to release their potential is key.
• Be open to what emerges and let go!