University recognised for its environmental sustainability action at Green Gown Awards 2025

Published on 7, November, 2025

The University of Sunderland’s environmental sustainability action has been recognised by the Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland after it won two categories.

The Green Gown Awards, which showcase sustainable initiatives and best practices undertaken by universities and colleges across both the UK and Ireland, took place at the Library of Birmingham (6 November).

This year, the University of Sunderland were successful in winning two awards:

• Creating Impact: ‘Recover, Re-use, Repair & Produce’ to reduce waste in healthcare technical support
• Sustainability Champion (Staff) Gary Stubbs

The University was also highly commended in the Tomorrow’s Employees category due to its work to help to create a sustainable screen industry and instil green skills to help shape the filmmakers of the future.

Gary Stubbs, Senior Lecturer in Film and Television Production at the University, who was named Sustainability Champion (Staff), said: “Working within film and television, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful our industry can be in leading positive environmental change. From reducing on-set waste to embedding sustainability into our storytelling, every decision has the potential to make a real difference.

“This recognition reflects my ongoing commitment to embedding sustainability into the curriculum and supporting students who share the belief that creativity and sustainability must go hand in hand. Through education and collaboration, we’re equipping the next generation of screen professionals to build a more responsible and resilient industry.

“As part of this work, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to the creation of three National Occupational Standard roles for film and television, helping to ensure sustainability is built into the core competencies of our workforce.

“Our industry touches almost every sector from catering and transport to engineering and energy, giving us a unique opportunity to lead by example and inspire meaningful change, not only across screen production but within the wider community. Aligning these efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals ensures that our impact supports a global vision for a fairer, greener future.”

Alongside this, staff in the University’s healthcare technical support team have been recognised for their efforts to reduce waste through the reuse and repair of equipment used for training students.

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Healthcare Technicians Kenneth Fox and Mark Robinson accepted the award for their innovative approach and mindset, working as a team to come up with a range of methods to reduce the large quantities of plastic waste, including manufacturing teaching aids in-house and increasing repairability, therefore reducing waste and the costs associated.

Ben Dale, Chief Financial Officer at the University and executive sponsor for its Strategic Environmental Sustainability Group, said: “The Green Gown Awards offer a great showcase for our work around sustainability. It is a fantastic achievement to have five projects shortlisted.

“Out of these five, to have two winning entries and one highly commended is testament to the energy and enthusiasm and the ability to make things happen of our colleagues working in this area.”

Professor Kevin Petrie, Chair of the Education for Sustainable Development Working Group at the University, said: “At the University of Sunderland, we believe it is important that our graduates have a clear sense of the sustainability issues in their subjects and professions so that they can contribute to a sustainable future. This is why sustainability is a key part of our curriculum, and we are highlighting and celebrating great student and staff work in this area.”

Laura Middlemass, Sustainability Manager at the University, said: “I am really pleased to be able to celebrate the achievements of colleagues across Faculties, Schools and Professional Services who have been driving these initiatives.

“The variety of initiatives that have been recognised by the Green Gown Awards demonstrates the progress being made in embedding sustainability into ‘business as usual’ at this University.”

Find out more about how the University of Sunderland is helping created a more sustainable future here.