The finalists in this year's Green Gown Awards have just been announced by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EUAC).
This time around 115 projects make the finalist list. That’s a combined population of 1.5 million students and 240,000 staff benefiting from pioneering teaching, leadership, research and student sustainability excellence.
Established in 2004, the Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities, colleges and the learning and skills sectors across the UK and Ireland as the education sector leads a path to efficiency, employability and better quality of life for us all.
The education sector is a critical player in ensuring the next generation is equipped with the skills and experience required to provide a sustainable future. The Green Gown Awards celebrate pioneers that are taking the bold steps that are necessary to develop resilience and adaptability and to showcase the education sector’s contribution to society.
“The Green Gown Awards provide our learning institutions and their staff and students a real opportunity to break down the barriers and achieve engagement and change. The Awards bring together leaders, academics, managers, students and wider communities together to recognise the pioneering achievements being made in across education, both in the UK and globally, for a better quality of live and a more sustainable future.” says Iain Patton, Chief Executive of the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC).
“We recognise the fantastic contribution the Green Gown Awards make in celebrating and encouraging the excellent work on improving sustainability across higher education. This is such an important area for institutions in terms of reducing environmental impact, improving student experience and making financial savings.” says Nolan Smith, Director of Finance, Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and support partner for the dissemination of the Awards and the case studies.
The judging panel consists of over 80 representatives from the diversity of the education sector and experts in the various fields, including Universities UK, Department of Energy and Climate Change, PwC, WWF and the United Nations Environment Programme.
The winners will be announced at the prestigious Green Gown Awards Ceremony held at The Athena situated in the Cultural Quarter, Leicester on 10 November, in partnership with De Montfort University (DMU) and University of Leicester.
You can find out more about this year's finalists at www.greengownawards.org.uk/2016-finalists 
