The nomination in the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership’ category recognises the work of sports ecologist Dr Madeleine Orr from Loughborough University London. Dr Orr was lead researcher on the acclaimed report titled ‘Slippery Slopes: How climate change is threatening the 2022 Winter Olympics’ and was the driving force behind the ‘Sports for Nature’ report, delivered in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme. Dr Orr was also a leading figure in the design and development of Loughborough University London’s Sustainable Sport Business programme – the first of its kind in the world – and is part of Sports for Climate Action and Nature (SCAN), a cross-disciplinary Loughborough University research cluster that brings together expertise in sport sociology, physiology, nutrition, management, ecology and engineering. 

The ‘Outstanding Estates Team’ nomination marks the development of Pavilion 4 of the SportPark building on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park – the first Passivhaus accredited development on the campus. The University’s Facilities Management team worked with academic experts in the University’s Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), students and developers on the building, which has set the benchmark for quality and low-energy building efficiency across the University estate. 

The ‘Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year’ category recognises the Black in Sport Summit, an initiative launched in 2022 by Ladi Ogunmekan, Samuel Ola, Emmanuel Shittu and Faith Oluwaremi, who were Loughborough University students at the time, to change the narrative about black people in sport. With support from Loughborough University, Loughborough Sport and commercial sponsors, the event celebrates the achievements of those working in the industry, showcases career path opportunities for university and school students, and is a platform for important conversations on racial inequality and underrepresentation within sport. 

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 7 December 2023.