We’re delighted to announce that the University of Salford has been named a finalist in three Green Gown Award categories: Sustainability Institution of the Year Sustainability Champion (staff) and Sustainability Champion (student).
Sustainability Institution of the Year – From Estates to Everyone: A Whole Institution Sustainability Transformation at Salford
We are immensely proud to be shortlisted for Sustainability Institution of the Year.
At the University of Salford, sustainability is no longer seen as solely an operational responsibility. It is embedded across our governance, strategy, curriculum, research, partnerships and campus operations, helping to shape how we deliver our University Strategy and create positive impact for people, place and planet.
Sustainability is a core delivery theme within the University Strategy 2025-2030 and is embedded in key governance and decision-making structures, ensuring that environmental responsibility, social value and long-term resilience influence planning, investment and delivery across the institution.
This whole-university approach is delivering measurable results. We have reduced our Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 78% since 2005/06 and improved energy efficiency by 37% since 2016/17. Beyond campus, we leverage our role as a University to drive wider civic and societal impact through research, innovation, education and partnerships that help address real-world sustainability challenges.
Our progress is also reflected in our rise in the People and Planet University League, moving from 122nd place in 2010 to 5th place in 2025 demonstrating how sustainability has become an integral part of who we are.
Sustainability Champion – Student
We are also delighted that recent graduate, Sadaan Hussain has been shortlisted for Student Sustainability Champion. Joining the University as an MSc Sustainability student in January 2025, Sadaan quickly became a driving force for sustainability across the University. Graduating with a first-class degree, he leaves behind a legacy of positive change that will continue to benefit both students and staff.
Alongside his studies, he championed Education for Sustainable Development by encouraging and supporting colleagues to embed sustainability within teaching and learning. His work helped increase opportunities for students across the University to develop the knowledge and skills needed for a more sustainable future.
Sadaan also contributed to the University’s climate adaptation planning, helping to strengthen our long-term resilience and sustainability ambitions.
His impact demonstrates how one individual can inspire collective action, bringing students, staff and sustainability professionals together to create lasting change across the University community.
Sustainability Champion – Staff – University of Salford Art Collection Team
The University of Salford Art Collection Team has been shortlisted for Staff Sustainability Champion, recognising their commitment to embedding sustainability throughout their work and using creativity as a catalyst for change.
Despite being a small team, the Art Collection Team has delivered significant impact by integrating sustainability into exhibitions, residencies, procurement, teaching, community engagement and partnership working.
Through major programmes such as Hybrid Futures, Energy House Residencies and OFFSHOOT, the team has brought together artists, researchers, students, community groups and industry partners to explore climate change, nature recovery and sustainable futures through creative practices.
These initiatives have created meaningful public engagement opportunities, encouraged behaviour change, supported more sustainable approaches to events and exhibitions, and demonstrated how the arts can help make complex sustainability challenges accessible and relevant to wider audiences.
The team has also supported graduate development, strengthened cross-university sustainability networks and embedded sustainability within teaching and learning activities. With just two permanent members of staff, the Art Collection Team exemplifies how collaboration, creativity and shared action can create impact far beyond the size of a team, making sustainability visible, engaging and accessible to diverse communities.
Together, these finalist nominations demonstrate the many ways sustainability comes to life at Salford. From institution-wide transformation and individual leadership to creative collaboration and community engagement, each story reflects the power of people working together to create positive change for society and the environment.