Kingston University celebrates Green Impact scheme success

Posted Monday 28 March 2022

The award-winning Green Impact team from Kingston University

In January 2021, Kingston University re-launched its sustainability champion network scheme Green Impact. Green Impact is a United Nations award-winning programme designed to support environmentally and socially sustainable practices and behaviours and breaks down the often-complex world of sustainability into simple, meaningful, and manageable actions. The programme is entirely voluntary and open to all Kingston University staff members.

Over the past year, 15 teams of KU staff members have been working hard to take action on sustainability and on Thursday 10 March, the teams were rewarded for their efforts

Here are some of the highlights from last yea included three teams achieving 'Working Towards' Status, five teams achieving 'Bronze' Status, three teams achieving 'Silver' Status and one team from BA Graphic Design achieved the highest award 'Gold'

348 colleagues across the University were engaged in the programme and collectively completed 293 sustainability actions. The university saved an estimated 32,728kg CO2 and £6,379, based on analysis from just 10 of these actions.

The BA Graphic Design team of Zoe Bather, Alexie Thurston and Viv Ridgeway picked up a special award for going above and beyond in supporting the sustainability agenda.

Stephanie Todd, Operational Sustainability Manager was delighted to see so many staff members from across the University actively supporting the sustainability agenda. "I've been really impressed with the level of effort involved from our Green Impact champions, especially when navigating the pressures of the pandemic", Stephanie said. "I'm looking forward to seeing how the network develops over the coming year. We have a brand-new toolkit and sustainability actions for our champions to get stuck into and this year we will be welcoming KU students as Green Impact Project Assistants to support our teams."

Caroline Harries, Chief Financial Officer commented on the dedication of staff to make sustainability a priority even during the global pandemic. "I know how much those involved enjoyed the experience particularly during the pandemic when collaboration and engagement was more challenging for many," Caroline said. "There is genuine passion and commitment at Kingston for sustainability and this is a fantastic way for all staff and students to be involved. It would be amazing if we could get a team from every faculty and function participating this year."

To find out more about the scheme please email sustainability@kingston.ac.uk

Categories: On campus, Staff