We’re celebrating triple Green Gown Awards success

We are proud to have been recognised on the national stage for our exceptional commitment to sustainability, winning one award and receiving two commendations at the 2025 Green Gown Awards.

Organised by the EAUC (Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education) and this year held at the Library of Birmingham, the Green Gown Awards celebrate exceptional sustainability initiatives across the education sector in the UK and Ireland.

Barnsley College took home the top prize in the Student Engagement category for the innovative work of our Apprenticeships team – who have embedded Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into apprentices’ personal professional development through creative activities like sustainability-themed ‘escape room’ challenges, virtual exploration of global sustainable development projects in the College's cutting-edge Immersive Space, and the 2030 SDGs Game.

In addition to the award win, the College was also Highly Commended in two further categories:
•    Campus Health, Food and Drink: The College’s Catering Team was recognised for a host of improvements sparked by introducing energy-efficient air fryers – a move that has cut energy use, reduced waste, and promoted healthier, lower-carbon meals.
•    Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability: Reloved Boutique, a retail space operated by staff and learners with additional needs from the Learning for Living and Work department, has diverted more than 1,000 items from landfill and raised over £3,000 for local charities. The boutique provides hands-on employability experience while championing inclusive sustainability education.

Sasha Beswick, Head of Sustainability, said: “These awards are a fantastic recognition of the passion, creativity and commitment our staff and students bring to sustainability every day. What makes this achievement so special is how it spans the whole College – from apprentices’ professional development, to campus catering, to innovative, inclusive retail spaces – with each team bringing new ideas to life in their own way.

“I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in embedding sustainability in our culture, and how we’re empowering students to shape a more sustainable future.”

This recognition builds on our success at last year’s Green Gown Awards – where we came away with a Finalist and a Highly Commended award in the Student Engagement category.