THE University of Chester has been shortlisted for an Excellence in Sustainability Award.

As a result of its work to lead the way to a sustainable low carbon future, the University has been recognised as a finalist in the category by the West Cheshire and North Wales (WCNW) Chamber of Commerce.

Part of the Annual Recognition Awards held by the Chamber, the award, sponsored by WR Partners, celebrates organisations placing sustainability at the heart of what they do.

The shortlisting acknowledges the University’s collaborative action to deliver positive environmental change, from educating students on responsibility, to influencing future sustainability policy, and delivering on the University’s own low carbon goals.

Students are being helped to make a difference in their local communities and beyond through initiatives such as conservation volunteering days at varied locations, and the Chester Youth Climate Action Network (CYCAN), founded in 2022 by University of Chester students.

Supported by the University, CYCAN recently designed and delivered the second Green Expo youth conference, involving apprentices, further education colleges and local employers in debate and problem-solving.

Significant impact on sustainability projects

The University's Business School is an academic lead for the nationally recognised HyNet North West consortium which is driving the decarbonisation of industry across the North West and North Wales, with a target of reaching net zero carbon by 2050.

The University has convened the HyNet Skills, Learning and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Subcommittee, bringing together large employers in the region to ensure that needed skills and employment opportunities are created in addressing the decarbonisation challenge.

As part of its work with the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), the University has also published a nationally significant industrial decarbonisation workforce report, which will influence future sustainability skills policy. Chester Business School and the Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise have led on this important research.

The University is also moving forward with measures like solar panels; in waste and recycling; water usage; transport, biodiversity and introducing Carbon Literacy Training to reduce its own environmental impact. The training has been embedded within a number of modules across the faculty's programmes and looks at the science behind climate change and practical ways individuals can make a difference.

Wider staff and student research is also highlighting ways to protect the environment and the University’s longstanding relationship with Chester Zoo has included the creation together of world-leading conservation and sustainability education.

Associate Professor Kirstie Simpson, Dean of Chester Business School said: "We are delighted to showcase our sustainability activity, and to be a finalist for this award.

"It has been a privilege to work with employers on industrial decarbonisation research, be the academic lead for HyNet North West and see students and staff involved in, and passionate about, sustainability."

Tamara Hunt, Sustainability Manager at the University of Chester, added: "The climate and nature emergencies are complex interconnected issues that cannot be solved in isolation and the breadth of activities demonstrates how we work collaboratively. We are thrilled that our activities, within and beyond the University are being recognised as a finalist in this award."

The University, alongside Storyhouse, has also been shortlisted for a Green Gown Award in the category of Creating Impact, for Storyhouse Climate, an event held in autumn 2022 bringing the arts and sciences together to tackle climate change.

The Green Gown awards recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the world.

Winners of the WCNW Chamber Recognition Awards will be revealed on Friday, November 17 at a ceremony in the Pavillion at Chester Racecourse.