York St John University’s Living Lab project named finalist in 2022 Green Gown Awards

This year York St John University launched its first ever Living Lab project, which addressed the issue of air pollution in York. 

‘Living Lab: Learning at the Junction’ engaged over 250 students from nine different academic subjects, and invited them to explore and collaborate on the problem of air pollution.  Find out more on the Living Lab project  

The Ecological Justice Research Group led study has been named a finalist in the ‘Tomorrow’s Employees’ category of the 2022 Green Gown Awards, which showcase sustainability initiatives and projects from across the higher education sector.  

Funded by the University’s Institute for Social Justice, the project has opened opportunities for students to challenge themselves by engaging in multidisciplinary collaborations and public events. As demonstrated by student feedback on the project, these experiences have added to students' sense of empowerment in tackling climate concerns, as well as their skills as future employees. 

Dr Catherine Heinemeyer, lecturer in Arts and Ecological Justice and project lead said: “In terms of employability, the Living Lab project has allowed students to expand their skills beyond course learning objectives. This has been a real success, as their engagement with the project clearly promoted self-development and our students’ sense of agency. Encouraging students to see their work as significant and to establish themselves as change-makers was a major motivator behind the project, and pivotal in supporting our students' careers and ambitions for the future.” 

Winners and highly commended entries will be announced at the Green Gown Awards Ceremony on 8 November 2022 at Loughborough University. 

York St John University continues to work towards its sustainability goals, and to its commitment to becoming a greener University. Find out more about the University’s 2030 targets, as well as student involvement in sustainability on the Sustainability at York St John University website.