National recognition for environmental initiatives at York St John University 

York St John University is a finalist in two categories the upcoming Green Gown Awards.  Organisers say the finalists emphasise an institution’s role in enabling and empowering young people to tackle pressing global issues to ensure they have a better tomorrow.  

York St John is shortlisted in the Tomorrow’s employees category for Green Week (YSJGoesGreen). This was a week-long celebration of sustainability organised in collaboration with YSJSU.  

Congratulations are also due to York St John’s Grounds and Maintenance Team who have been shortlisted for the Sustainability Champion Award. The entry highlighted the initiative to support the community’s mental wellbeing through our allotments and biodiversity projects.  

Reflecting on this year’s submissions, Iain Patton, CEO, EAUC says "It is clear from the number and quality of applications, that sustainability and the now irreversible sustainability movement is not only resilient but profoundly energised, opportunistic and dynamic!  UK and Irish universities and colleges have turned Covid 19 challenges into opportunities and ensured that every change is a change for sustainability. A reset of our economic and social foundations is happening and the Green Gown Awards are all the more important to inspire and scale change for sustainability. Congratulations to all our finalists."  

Vice Chancellor of York St John University, Professor Karen Bryan, OBE said: “Our student and staff community is passionate about the environment, and this is the right time to be thinking about our economy and the future of our planet. We all need to play our part in tackling climate change, minimising our impacts, and to promoting sustainable development wherever we can.   

“I'm hugely proud of our Grounds and Maintenance Team and their efforts to support and develop our biodiverse campus for the benefit of our generation and many future generations to come.   

“YSJGoesGreen was the result of a fantastic collaboration between the University and our Students’ Union and goes to show what can be achieved when we work together to educate and better ourselves.”    

The winners will be announced at the virtual Awards Ceremony taking place on 18 November. Download the finalists brochure here