The University of Edinburgh
SEAG
19 June 2012
Paper 12
Sustainability and Environmental Advisory Group (SEAG)
19 June 2012
Green Gown Awards 2012
Brief description of the paper
This paper outlines the 14 different categories now open for submissions for UK FHEIs to gain recognition
for innovative environmental initiatives.
Three of them are also eligible for entry in an international face-off with Australasian colleagues.
Deadline for short Stage 1 entries is 13 July.
Action requested

SEAG members are invited to identify any specific initiatives they know of at Edinburgh which
could be submitted for any of the 14 categories – and

to suggest contacts who might assist in framing the submission.
Resource implications
Does the paper have resource implications?
No.
Risk Assessment
Does the paper include a risk analysis? No
Equality and Diversity
Does the paper have equality and diversity implications? No
Freedom of information
Can this paper be included in open business? Yes
Originators of the paper
David Somervell
Sustainability Adviser
11 June 2012
EAUC Green Gowns Awards 2012
[This material has been extracted from www.eauc.org.uk/green_gown_awards 11 June 2012]
Now in their 8th year, the Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives
being undertaken by universities and colleges across the UK. 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 Green Gown Awards are administered by the Environmental Association for Universities and
Colleges (EAUC) and are governed by a cross agency steering group.
The Awards grow every year and even have an international presence - following the huge
success of the UK Awards, the Australasian Green Gown Awards are now entering their 3rd year.
With the 2011 Awards seeing a record 240 entries, we're hoping to surpass this in 2012 as we
know there are some fantastic initiatives taking place.
The Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges have announced the categories for
Green Gown Award 2012 entries
This year we are pleased to announce 14 Award categories, 2 of which are new and 3 of which will
be eligible for the International Awards. To further develop the links between the UK and
Australasian GGAs, the 3 international categories will be pitting the winners from across the UK
and Australasia against each other in the coveted International Award category.
The judging criteria will be based on the wider dissemination and learning gained from the entries
and will be based on Stage 2 applications.
Why enter?
 Acknowledge your team's efforts – engage your staff and students
 Shine and shout about your achievements
 Raise profile / showcase your sustainability excellence via events, case studies and videos
 Gain recognition from senior management
 Obtain UK and international recognition
 Join a network of exceptional institutions with year-long promotion for your institution
What you can do now
Now is the time to start planning your entry to ensure you have all of the relevant information,
obtain your evidence and data, get leadership buy-in and really ensure your entry communicates
the value of your project or initiative. Often entries are rushed so make sure you take the time to
make sure your entry stands out from the crowd!
Dates for the diary
11 June
Open for entries
13 July
Stage 1 deadline
By 6 August
Notification to all shortlisted entries
6 August
Open for stage 2 entries
14 September
Stage 2 deadline
November
Winners announced / Awards Ceremony (date/venue tbc)
Categories
All categories are open to all post-16 educational institutions (Further or Higher Education
institutions, work-based or adult and community learning providers) with the following exceptions:
The Colleges and Small Institutions category is only open to institutions with a maximum
full time equivalent of 3,000 students
The Best Newcomer category is only open to institutions who have not previously applied
for a Green Gown Award
There are 14 categories: [click on each one to link to more details]

Best Newcomer - NEW FOR 2012

Carbon Reduction

Colleges and Smaller Institutions

Construction and Refurbishment

Continuous Improvement: Institutional Change - also in Green Gown International Award

Courses

Green ICT

Learning and Skills

Modernisation - Effectiveness and Efficiency in the Estate - NEW FOR 2012

Procurement

Promoting Positive Behaviour

Research and Development

Social Responsibility - also in the Green Gown International Award

Student Initiatives and Campaigns - also in Green Gown International Award
Green Gown International Awards
The Green Gown Awards are run in the UK and in Australasia and this year we will be bringing
them together with the winners from the UK and Australasia going head to head for a coveted
International Award.
The judging criteria will be based on the wider dissemination and learning gained from the entries
and will be based on Stage 2 applications (a separate application is not required and your entry is
automatic).
SEAG members are invited to identify any specific initiatives they know of at Edinburgh which
could be submitted for any of the above categories – and to suggest contacts who might assist in
framing the submission.
David Somervell
Sustainability Engagement Manager
11 June 2012