UWL is a finalist in Green Gown Awards 2024 for local collaboration on sustainable food
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The University of West London is a finalist for the Green Gown Awards 2024, which recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the world. UWL is a finalist in the Benefitting Society category, for its work to sustain the local community and the planet through food partnerships.
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UWL has reached the finals for its collaboration with local community organisations ActforEaling, Ealing Transition, and the Ealing Food Partnership (EFP) to host a five-part event series on sustainable food. The aim was to encourage and develop sustainable food systems within Ealing, bringing together academics from UWL’s London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism (LGCHT), students, local community organisations and the public to tackle challenges such as food insecurity, food inequality and climate change.
The events were a blend of educational film screenings and in-person workshops, the majority of which were delivered free of charge. Attendees were taught information on how food is affecting the environment, and proactive and innovative cooking and farming techniques to address these issues in their own lives. Utilising UWL’s facilities and academic/industry expertise, the community organisations were able expand their audiences, reaching 500+ members of the local community, students and UWL staff.
Alongside the event series, through funding obtained via a SHAPE Sustainability Impact Project, UWL supported the launch of EFP’s new website. The site aims to build on the themes explored in the event series by promoting sustainable food practices and addressing food poverty in Ealing, utilising mapping technology to explore food-sharing opportunities and distribute surplus food.
UWL has committed to improving engagement in sustainability across the local community, with the student community and with UWL staff members,”
says Head of Sustainability Grace Hunter.
We aim to inspire and empower people to act on environmental sustainability inside and outside of campus, to adopt a sustainable lifestyle at home and in their future careers. This project has been such a success we are aiming to extend it this next academic year, building on learnings and feedback.”
If you would like to collaborate with UWL on action for sustainability in Ealing, or get advice on engaging your local community, email environment.sustainability@uwl.ac.uk.
Green Gown Awards winners will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 13 November at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh.
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