Kingston University recognised for sustainability efforts in national awards

Posted Monday 29 July 2024

Kingston University has been recognised for its commitment to sustainable and ethical practices in two prestigious national awards.

The University is one of just six higher education institutions to have achieved two-star status in the Fairtrade University and College Awards. It has also been named a finalist in this year's UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards, within the learning and skills category.

Kingston University received two-star Fairtrade status in partnership with the Union of Kingston Students, recognising action led by the University's Fairtrade Award Team. Students from the University audited and verified evidence from an 18 month period encompassing September 2022 to April 2024, which was submitted by Kingston University and other education institutions that took part in the Fairtrade University and College Awards scheme. The award recognises the University and the Union's achievements in embedding ethical and sustainable practices within the curriculum, procurement, research and campaigning.

Now in its sixth year, this prestigious award is delivered in partnership with the Fairtrade Foundation, the National Union of Students (NUS), and Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK).

This achievement demonstrates significant progress has been made following the University's one star status in the previous Fairtrade University and College Awards in 2022.

Strategic Operational Lead for Sustainability Stephanie Todd praised the collective efforts of students and staff in making this accreditation happen. "This two-star status is a huge achievement for the University. It is testament to the innovative and ambitious work undertaken by our Fairtrade Award Team to embed ethical and fair trade practices across all areas of the University," she said.

"The University was commended by The Fairtrade Foundation for our outstanding involvement in the scheme. We are particularly grateful to the Kingston University students who volunteered to audit the work undertaken at Kingston University and the other 21 universities involved in the programme," she added.

Within the UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards 2024, Kingston University is a finalist in the learning and skills category. The University has implemented a series of changes to its curricula to enable staff and students to develop skills so that they can become sustainable leaders, proactively developing equitable and sustainable solutions for Kingston University and its wider community.

The improvements are designed to give students, and academic and professional services staff, the knowledge, skills and resources to raise awareness of sustainability and help bring about behavioural change across the university.

As one example, students have co-created educational toolkits for academic and professional services staff which address some of the key sustainable development issues highlighted in UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Development, such as climate change, biodiversity and sustainable consumption. These toolkits have been used by more than 350 members of staff.

Students have proactively taken the lead on sustainability events and workshops within and outside of the University, enabling them to see themselves as sustainable advocates. This has included leading workshops to staff on reusing and upcycling clothes to raise awareness of the climate change impacts of fast fashion. Elsewhere, at the London Student Sustainability Conference 2023, Kingston University students competed against other London universities where they won awards for their work which addressed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Strategic Academic Lead for Sustainability Dr Tânia Dias Fonseca said being named a finalist in the UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards reflects the dedication of Kingston University students in bringing about changes that will help shape a more sustainable future.

"Our students are learning and gearing up to be influential leaders and decision makers of today and tomorrow, equipped with a robust set of skills and an understanding of their impact," she said. "Standing as finalists celebrates our commitment to student-staff partnerships, which are vital to our efforts to shape a greener curriculum and future."