The Green Gown Awards celebrate sustainability initiatives in higher education, recognising initiatives that contribute to the UN Global Goals and inspire change across the sector.
The Climate Cup is a student-led engagement programme where Loughborough student sports clubs compete to be the most sustainable. The initiative used the power of competition to combat climate change and restore nature, and was delivered in partnership with Carbon Jacked, a social enterprise that believes ‘saving the planet shouldn’t be boring.’
Throughout the year, students took on challenges covering climate, nature and communications. These were supported by in-person sessions, social media campaigns, and career-focused events, all designed to empower students to take meaningful environmental action.
The Climate Cup inspired over 20 teams, representing thousands of students, to take impactful and diverse environmental action. Their actions included assessing team carbon footprints, fundraising for environmental charities, cleaning waterways, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable travel. Due to its success, the programme will be rolled out to include all Athletic Union clubs next year.
The Vice Chancellor and President of the University, Professor Nick Jennings, said: “Loughborough, the world’s top university for sport, has climate change and sustainability as one of our pan-institutional priorities. The Climate Cup project unites these two areas. The Award recognises the transformational engagement of our staff and students with sustainability in sport and amplifies our outstanding thought leadership nationally and globally.”
Elliott Brown, Sustainability Manager, said: “Winning a Green Gown Award is a meaningful recognition of the hard work and innovative approach of our staff and students to tackling the climate crisis. Throughout this project, our students have continued to blow me away with their innovative ways to reduce the impact of their AU clubs. This award highlights the value of collaboration, creativity, and commitment to sustainability across our campus. It affirms that our approach is making a real difference and encourages us to keep pushing forward.”
As a regional winner, the project will now progress to the International Green Gown Awards in 2026, where it will represent the UK and Ireland on the global stage.