At the University of Cambridge, sustainability is a collective effort, driven further by the commitment and leadership of our staff and students. In 2023-24, two key events showcased their remarkable efforts: the Professional Services Recognition Scheme Awards 2024, and the Sustainability Showcase 2024. These events highlighted exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability within our community, building on past successes.
The Professional Services Recognition Scheme Awards
The Professional Services Recognition Scheme Awards celebrates outstanding achievements across all professional service areas within the University. With a record 355 nominations in December 2024, a 30% increase from the previous year, more than 40 teams and individuals were shortlisted across seven categories. This year, a new award category, 'Improving our Environmental Performance', was introduced. Under this category, two teams and one individual were recognised for their efforts to embed environmental sustainability into their work.
The Office of External Affairs and Communications (OEAC) successfully integrated sustainable transport into everyday operations, using electric cargo bikes instead of taxis. Championed through the Cambridge Festival engagement programme, this switch resulted in a 72kg reduction in carbon emissions from business travel, as well as reduced expenditure on taxis.
The Grounds Maintenance Team, an integral part of our Estates Division, played a vital role in delivering our Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The team adopted nature-friendly practices and policies, including the identification and establishment of wildflower planting sites. Work continues in progressing the BAP, building on the accomplishments of the Grounds Maintenance Team.
Emily Kempin, Safety Coordinator for the Department of Genetics, was the individual winner, recognised for her outstanding contributions and leadership as a Sustainability Champion. Emily leads her Department's Green Impact team, raising awareness and inspiring colleagues to adopt sustainable practices. Her efforts exemplify the leadership needed to support our sustainability commitments.
Sustainability Showcase
In June 2024, the Sustainability Showcase brought together the wider University community to explore collective progress and future ambitions.
- Dr Sally Pidgeon, Head of Environmental Sustainability, shared key updates from our Annual Environmental Sustainability Report 2022-23.
- Lauren Walia from Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK) celebrated the achievements of our Green Impact Teams and Excellence Projects.
- Dr Belinda Bell, Co-Director of Finance for Environmental and Social Systemic Change, presented an ongoing project with 71 UK universities working to create a financial market for sustainable financial products.
- Stewart Bethell, Senior Transport Coordinator, and Sue O'Brien of Modeshift showcased the Modeshift STARS platform, used to generate travel plans and ensure all new build and refurbishment projects meet the nationally accredited 'Good' sustainability standard.
At the event, Cambridge Zero showcased their Climate Challenge programme. Run in partnership with Carbon13, Cambridge Enterprise, CISL Canopy, the Maxwell Centre, Energy IRC, and sponsored by Moda Living, this climate entrepreneurship competition encourages collaboration between postgraduate and postdoctoral students in developing early-stage climate solutions.
- Terracotta Cooling, a start-up initiative by MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development students Jerrell Ong and Sebastian Lindner-Liaw, together with their colleague Eric Tay, aims to sustainably cool large data centres in the Global South, reducing emissions and managing resource use.
- Guillaume Bigot (MPhil in Technology) shared his Climate Entrepreneurship journey through i-Teams Cambridge, the Climate Challenge, and the impulse, Maxwell Centre programme.
The Professional Services Recognition Scheme and Sustainability Showcase celebrate both operational and academic initiatives, recognise the valuable efforts and leadership of our staff and students, and motivate continued efforts towards adopting sustainable practices.