Congratulations to the May Ball committee, whose efforts to ensure that this year’s celebration had as little environmental impact as possible have been recognised with a Platinum accreditation from Sustain-a-Ball, making it officially the most sustainable ball in Cambridge.
Overseen by the Cambridge University Environmental Consulting Society, Sustain-a-Ball provides advice to Colleges on how to reduce waste and host a sustainable celebration, as well as highlighting their achievements.
Darwin’s 2023 May Ball was the first across the University to offer exclusively plant-based refreshments, and sustainability was at the centre of planning from the beginning. The College’s score was 30% higher than that required to achieve a Platinum accreditation.
“I am thrilled to hear that we have achieved a Platinum accreditation for the Sustain-a-Ball results,” said Sophie MacSherry, Green Officer for the May Ball Committee 2023. “Our 92% percentage meant we came first out of all the Colleges participating this year, which is a great achievement for Darwin! We successfully hosted the first 100% vegan May Ball, put in place strong waste and recycling systems, and enforced strict energy policies for the event. We hope this sets the standard for future May Balls across all Colleges at the University of Cambridge!”
May Ball President Joe Cowan said:
“I’m immensely proud of what we were able to achieve with last year’s May Ball. This would not have been possible without the tireless work of the team and specifically Sophie McSherry, our Green Officer, and wider engagement from across Darwin to help make her visions a reality.”
