University of Chester initiatives shortlisted for two prestigious Green Gown Awards 2026

The projects have been recognised in two separate categories of the prestigious awards, which celebrate sustainability best practice and outstanding environmental initiatives across post-16 education institutions in the UK and Ireland. 

The University's Build Back Together - Reaching the Last Mile project has been shortlisted in the Creating Impact category, while Transforming Campus Catering Through Sustainability, Inclusion and Student Partnership has been shortlisted in the Campus Health, Food and Drink category. 

The Build Back Together - Reaching the Last Mile initiative centres on the Aston Ingham community in Herefordshire, United Kingdom, where residents took the lead in addressing local flood risk through a pioneering partnership with the University. 

Initially deemed too small to attract council funding, the community approached the University to establish a co-production partnership that combined local knowledge and lived experience with academic expertise. The collaboration drew on historical flood maps, fieldwork and applied technologies to create an evidence-based approach to flood resilience. 

Working together, the partners installed real-time data wireless sensors, funded jointly by the University and Aston Ingham Parish, to monitor flood conditions and generate critical evidence to support funding applications. The resulting data helped the community successfully secure additional support from both Gloucestershire and Shropshire Councils. 

The project also strengthened local resilience through the development of a community-led flood warning system, delivering alerts via text message and email. Its long-term impact continues through a linked PhD project, helping to ensure ongoing research and support. 

The initiative demonstrates how placing communities at the heart of decision-making can unlock investment, build local capacity and deliver sustainable, scalable solutions to environmental challenges. 

Dr Namrata Bhattacharya-Mis, Associate Professor in Geography and Environment and the Programme Leader for Natural Hazard Management at the University of Chester, said: "This project shows the transformative impact that can be achieved when communities are empowered to lead change. By combining local insight with academic expertise, we've helped create practical solutions that not only address flood risk but also strengthen community resilience and unlock funding opportunities that may otherwise have been out of reach." 

The University's Transforming Campus Catering Through Sustainability, Inclusion and Student Partnership initiative has been shortlisted in the Campus Health, Food and Drink category. 

The project has transformed the University's in-house catering service through a data-led and student-centred approach that embeds sustainability, inclusion and wellbeing into everyday operations. 

Using EPOS-driven forecasting and enhanced operational planning, catering teams reduced food waste by 25%, supported by improved production planning, menu rationalisation and real-time decision-making. Sustainability has become part of day-to-day practice through staff empowerment and engagement across catering operations. 

A key element of the initiative was collaboration with Student Race Advocates, who worked directly with catering teams to better understand and address cultural barriers experienced by international students. Through peer-led communication and co-created resources, the project improved inclusivity, confidence and a sense of belonging within campus dining spaces. 

Alongside sustainable sourcing through TUCO (The University Caterers Organisation) frameworks, the initiative has repositioned catering as a vital connector between students, staff, suppliers and the wider community. 

The project highlights how practical, people-focused changes can simultaneously improve environmental performance, operational sustainability and the student experience. 

Paula Martindale, Head of Hospitality and Events, said: "We're delighted that this collaborative work has been recognised through a Green Gown Awards shortlist. By listening to our students and empowering our catering teams, we've shown that sustainability, inclusion and wellbeing can go hand in hand. The initiative has created meaningful benefits for our community while also reducing our environmental impact." 

The Green Gown Awards are open to all post-16 education establishments across the UK and Ireland. Established in 2004 by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), they are widely regarded as the sector's leading awards for sustainability, recognising exceptional environmental initiatives and best practice across higher and further education. 

The judging panel brings together experts from leading education and sustainability organisations across the UK and Ireland to identify projects that are driving positive environmental and social change. 

The winners of the Green Gown Awards 2026 will be announced on November 16, 2026. 

Captions: Aston Ingham flood group.

Catering team using new food production and waste app.