We are delighted that Darwin’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised by three nominations for the Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland.
For the past 20 years, the Green Gown Awards have supported sustainable initiatives in universities and colleges through recognition of best practice. Established in the UK and Ireland in 2004, the awards now have international counterparts across the world.
Darwin College has reached the finals in three categories: Campus Health, Food and Drink; Sustainability Champions (Students) and Sustainability Champions (Staff).
The work of the Darwin catering team in promoting the sustainability of the College kitchens is recognised in the Campus Health, Food and Drink category. Limiting the environmental impact of keeping the Darwin community fed is central to how the department operates, with a focus on imaginative plant-based meals, the removal of all ruminant meats, the reduction of waste, and vegetarian options now the default at Formal Halls.
Catering Manager Ivan Higney and Head Chef Matt Turpie are also finalists in the Sustainability Champions (Staff) category, in recognition of their personal efforts to embed sustainability in the College’s approach to catering.
Meg Groom, who completed her PhD in Physics this summer, is a finalist in the Sustainability (Students) category. Meg served for the past two years as Darwin’s first Sustainability Engagement Coordinator, working across the College community to implement initiatives ranging from Project Second Life (enabling departing students to pass on secondhand items to new arrivals) to providing reusable recycling bags in student bedrooms.
Further information on the finalists can be found here.
The awards will be presented at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, on 13th November.
