Heriot-Watt University finalist for Student Engagement in the 2024 Green Gown Awards
The 20th annual Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland celebrate sustainability initiatives in universities and colleges aimed at becoming more socially responsible.
Placing as finalist in the Student Engagement category recognises the work the University’s Global Environmental Sustainability team and the University’s Student Union officers have achieved with The Student Sustainability Forum.
Finalist Category: Student Engagement
The Student Engagement category reflects the work university students and staff accomplished together through “top-down” and “bottom-up grass roots” methods for maximum understanding and engagement across an institution.
The Student Sustainability Forum
Heriot-Watt University's Global Environmental Sustainability team launched the Student Sustainability Forum in 2023 in collaboration with the Student Union. The forum created a space for dialogue on student-selected topics, bringing together staff and students to address the climate crisis.
The forums to date have explored areas such as the Climate Action Framework, recycling and food waste.
To be recognised by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), and listed amongst such quality institutions, as a finalist for a Green Gown Award in ‘Student Engagement’ further highlights the impactful strides made by our global student body and our commitment to co-delivering our strategy with our global communities.
The discussion outcomes will inform the newly formed University Committee for Global Environmental Sustainability which provides leadership and oversight of the delivery and further development of the University’s Global Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Deputy Principal for Global Sustainability, said:“ Heriot-Watt University’s sustainability strategy is of paramount importance to our global community and beyond, as we recognise our university role as a beacon for global change.
"To be recognised by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), and listed amongst such quality institutions, as a finalist for a Green Gown Award in ‘Student Engagement’ further highlights the impactful strides made by our global student body and our commitment to co-delivering our strategy with our global communities.”
Heriot-Watt University was named amongst 133 Finalists representing 84 institutions. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony which will take place on Wednesday 13 November at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh.
For more information on Heriot-Watt University's sustainability initiatives, visit the University's sustainability webpages.