Oxford Brookes named 'Sustainable Further Education Institution of the Year' at 2024 Climate Awards

Oxford Brookes University has been recognised at The Oxford Climate Awards 2024 for its work to inspire the next generation of climate leaders and drive positive change in environmental sustainability.

The University was named as the ‘Sustainable Further Education School/ College of the Year’ at the ceremony which took place on 17 October at Oxford Town Hall, located on St Aldates in the city centre. 

Oxford Brookes was praised for its role in educating the next generation about climate change and empowering future climate leaders. The University’s commitment to reducing its climate footprint was also commended, along with its efforts to promote sustainability within the local community, including its partnership with Oxford Bus Company to launch a fleet of electric buses in the city.

The awards ceremony was co-hosted by Oxford City Council and The Oxford Mail. In its category, Oxford Brookes competed against Ace Training Ltd, a construction training provider based in Kidlington, and Activate Learning, an education and training group which runs schools, further education colleges and training in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey.

Gavin Hodgson, Decarbonisation Strategic Lead at Oxford Brookes, said: “We are immensely proud to be recognised for our sustainability efforts. At Oxford Brookes we are committed to not only reducing our carbon footprint but also equipping our students with the knowledge and skills they need to lead in the fight against climate change. 

“Our hard work and commitment to sustainability means we have reduced our emissions relating to buildings and infrastructure by more than 54%, which supports Oxford's aims of achieving net-zero carbon emissions for the city by 2040.  In the 2023/24 financial year, our sustainability activities resulted in a cost avoidance of over £440k on our utilities spend.

“This award is a testament to the dedication of our community and our ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable future.”

In May 2024 it was announced that the University had installed 1,400m2 of solar panels across three separate buildings, to reduce carbon emissions by around 55 tonnes each year. The panels provide up to 18% of the overall electricity required for these buildings.

Oxford Brookes also became the first UK university to complete the operational installation of a Geo-Exchange Heating System on campus, which provides approximately 1.2GW of heating per year.
The University declared a climate emergency in 2021, and aims to become a net-zero carbon organisation by 2040.

Councillor Anna Railton, Oxford City Council Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, said: 
"Congratulations to Oxford Brookes University for winning the Sustainable Further Education School/College of the Year. Not only do they educate the future generations who will be tackling the climate emergency, but they have gone above and beyond to consider sustainability across their estate. They've done amazing work on renewable energy, food and recycling, and progress towards reducing their own carbon emissions. A well-deserved win!"

More information on Oxford Brookes’ sustainability commitments can be found on the University website.