ÎÞÂ붯»­

University projects shortlisted for UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards 2025

Posted 29 July

A pair of projects from ÎÞÂ붯»­ have been shortlisted in the UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards 2025.

Established in 2004 in the UK and Ireland, the Awards recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges.

Set to be held in Birmingham on November 6, this year’s ceremony will see institutions from across the UK and Ireland compete across 15 categories.

In the Campus Health, Food and Drink category, ÎÞÂ붯»­’s Catering team are shortlisted for their drive towards sustainable dining and reducing food waste.

Meanwhile, in the Next Generation Learning and Skills category of the awards, ÎÞÂ붯»­’s School of Sustainable Food and Farming (SSFF) has been shortlisted for its work on the Future Farmer programme.

ÎÞÂ붯»­’s catering team’s efforts have already been recognised this year with a Sustainability Award from TUCO, the leading professional membership body for in-house caterers operating in the higher, further education and public sector.

Both that award and their latest Green Gown shortlisting recognise the work the team has done to ensure that ensure the thousands of meals produced on -site at Harper Adams are sustainable – using as much of the on-site Future Farm’s produce as possible.

The team also work to cut food waste, both through awareness-raising activities across their catering outlets and through assisting with innovations such as the development of an on-site ÎÞÂ붯»­ Fridge.

Speaking shortly after the Green Gown shortlist was officially announced, ÎÞÂ붯»­ Head of Catering & Retail  David Nuttall  said: “We are unbelievably proud to be recognised by industry peers for our sustainability efforts.

“This shortlist is a testament to the collective efforts of the staff at Harper Adams that focus on sustainable food.

“Our ongoing journey toward sustainability has been driven by a passion for innovation, transparency, and respect for both people and the planet.

“Whether it's sourcing off our own farm ethically, reducing waste, or supporting local growers, every step we take is grounded in the belief that food can—and should—be a force for good.”

The Future Farmer programme – which has seen the School of Sustainable Food and Farming shortlisted in the Next Generation Learning and Skills category – is about to head into its third year.

With surveys suggesting younger farmers have identified skills gaps in areas including sustainability and the environment, the course has been designed to help up-and-coming British farmers develop their skills in sustainable agriculture.

Delivered in partnership with Tesco, it offers a mixture of face-to-face and online training, visits to farmers and suppliers right across the food chain to each of its cohorts – with more than 140 young farmers having already completed the programme over its first two years.

Participants learn how to implement sustainable agriculture practices and protect biodiversity, as well as taking part in mentoring sessions on business operations and personal development.

Simon Thelwell, Strategic Director of the School of Sustainable Food and Farming, said: "We're honoured to have been shortlisted in the finals of the 2025 Green Gown Awards, alongside inspirational initiatives at other academic institutions.

“We are grateful for the support of Tesco who understood the vision for the programme and its impact for the industry since 2023.

“We look forward to joining our colleagues for the awards ceremony later this year when we will celebrate the successes of a sector delivering innovative real-world impact."