Cambridge achieves multiple awards in Green Impact
Cambridge University Press & Assessment has achieved a Platinum Green Impact award for its UK operations in recognition of extensive efforts to promote sustainability practises at work.
Green Impact is a United Nations award-winning programme run by Students for Sustainability, part of the National Union of Students. It is designed to support and encourage environmentally and socially sustainable practices within organisations. The award scheme covers biodiversity, energy, food and drink, procurement, communications, travel, waste and recycling, water, and health and wellbeing.
Cambridge Assessment began its Green Impact journey four years ago, achieving platinum status in 2021. Cambridge University Press also made a submission to the award scheme for the first time that same year and achieved a bronze award.
Vicky Evans, Head of Sustainability, said: “Achieving the top award in our first year as a joint organisation is testament to our commitment to sustainability in all areas. I’m delighted that our operations in Cape Town and Madrid have been awarded a silver and a bronze award respectively, after making their first submissions as Cambridge University Press & Assessment this year with support from our Environment Staff Network.”
She added: “Colleagues in the Network, led by Green Impact Co-ordinator, Ellen MacKay, also collaborated with other teams around the world who were interested in joining Green Impact, but unable to make a submission this year. We are looking forward to supporting them on their Green Impact journey next year.”
Special Awards
As part of the Green Impact submission, Cambridge University Press & Assessment has the opportunity to nominate colleagues for Special Awards. This year, two of those nominations were successful.
Andri Johnston, who works in our academic publishing business, won a special award for Environment Improvement after bringing an on-site allotment back in to use. It now has a regular group of volunteers and has even donated some food for use in the kitchens at our Cambridge campus.
Amy Budd from Cambridge International Education and Ruth Carter, who works for our OCR exam board, won a Community Action award for their work organising monthly climate cafes – a regular opportunity for colleagues to get together and talk about how they feel about the environment, recent news or issues that are affecting them in a safe and friendly environment, with a focus on how participants are feeling rather than what we are doing or taking action on environmental issues.
