The Sustainability Action Awards recognise staff at the University of Southampton making a difference, through your work or volunteering. If you’re giving of your spare time to volunteer at the university or in the community, then apply now for the 2015 awards.
Launched in 2014, these annual awards are for students and staff, individuals and teams, that are going to the extra mile to make a difference. Last year’s awards recognised staff’s commitment to sustainability in their work, innovative sustainability teaching, and their volunteering – at work and in their spare time. If you or someone you know is going above and beyond to make a difference through their work or spare time, submit an application before the end of February for the chance to win a 2015 Sustainability Action Award.
On winning the 2014 staff award, Tony Curran said “The key word for me is recognition – these awards were a fantastic way for those working hard in this field to be recognised for their efforts.”
Read on about the 2014 winners and runners up.
Staff winner: Tony Curran
Tony was driven to design a sustainability game show in late 2013 to replace the ‘traditional’ lecture style of telling people to teach with a fun and interactive way of learning – asking them. The game show proved both popular and successful in helping people learn about current sustainability issues and what they can do about them.
Staff runner up: Mihaela Zhekova
Outside of work Mihaela freelances as a Sustainable Fashion Designer, making dresses and complimentary jewellery from materials sourced from local charity shops to raise funds for charity. For example, her work was presented at a fashion show which raised £1,500 to provide food, water, shelter, healthcare and education for children at the Hosanna Orphanage in Burma.
Staff team winner: NETSCC Cycling Promotion Team
On the 12th September 2013 a team of volunteers hosted a ‘cycle to work’ day to encourage as many colleagues at the Science Park to consider sustainable travel. Local exhibitors at the day included Sustrans and local bike shops, with 81 members of staff registering on the day.
Staff team runners up: University Procurement Team
This staff team is working to ensure that sustainability is now a key consideration in every purchase at the University, developing processes to make this possible. The team is looking to increase engagement with local businesses, encouraging suppliers to engage with the University on sustainability issues in a positive and more imaginative way.
Don’t miss your chance to win a 2015 Sustainability Action Award – apply now!