Carbon literacy project wins prize at the Green Gown Awards

The Manchester Metropolitan team collects their award

A carbon literacy project to help students and staff understand climate change was recognised at the prestigious Green Gown Awards after winning the ‘Tomorrow’s Employees’ award.

The Green Gown Awards recognises exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges, and the Carbon Literacy for Students project claimed top spot for the work being carried out at Manchester Metropolitan in ensuring students are prepared with the necessary skills to support a sustainable economy.

The carbon literacy course at Manchester Metropolitan is open to students and staff to gain an understanding of:

• The basic science behind climate change
• Social equity and climate change
• What students and staff can do to act on climate change
• Strategies and skills for communicating action on climate change

Helena Tinker, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Manchester Metropolitan, said: “We are thrilled that our Carbon Literacy for Students project has been recognised at the Green Grown Awards.

“This initiative prides itself on ensuring our students have the knowledge and skills to act on climate change in their future careers, and I am delighted that the hard work and dedication from so many colleagues has been celebrated with this fantastic award win.”

Manchester Metropolitan Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press added: “Winning this award exemplifies our values of sustainability, community, partnership and ambition. The achievement recognises the commitment of our staff and student trainers. It celebrates their energy and passion in addressing what is the pre-eminent global issue facing us today.” 

The award win follows the recent announcement on the University being selected to be the lead partner in a public sector carbon literacy initiative project.

Manchester Metropolitan was also named as one the UK’s greenest universities in summer 2019, ranked second in the People and Planet green league table.    

Established in 2004, the Green Gown Awards have become established as the most prestigious recognition of best practice in sustainability within the further and higher education sector.