Established in 2004 in the UK and Ireland, the Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges. With sustainability moving up the agenda, the Awards have become established as the most prestigious recognition of best practice within the further and higher education sector.

The University of Manchester is shortlisted in the Nature Positive category for our redevelopment of the Old Quad from a tarmac car park into a vibrant, climate-resilient green space. This project blends heritage with sustainability, delivering an 80% biodiversity net gain through the introduction of 16 trees, 4,500 plants, native hedging, and wildlife habitats.

We are also shortlisted in the Creating Impact category for our Furniture4Reuse store, the largest dedicated furniture reuse hub in the UK Higher Education sector. Our flagship initiative delivers environmental, financial, and social value with limited resources. Staffed by just two people, the Furniture Store has re-used over 239 tonnes of furniture worth £1.3 million since 2022, saving £56,000 in disposal costs and preventing an estimated 641 tonnes of carbon emissions.

• Watch two new videos showcasing these projects on the Environmental Sustainability Team’s YouTube channel.