UEL shortlisted for UK’s leading sustainability award

The University of East London (UEL) has been named a finalist in one of the UK’s most prestigious sustainability awards after judges recognised its ambitious approach to tackling climate change across every part of university life.

UEL has been shortlisted in the 2030 Climate Action category at the 2026 UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards, which celebrate the most innovative and impactful sustainability initiatives across further and higher education.

Rather than recognising a single project, the shortlisting acknowledges UEL's wider commitment to becoming London's most sustainable university, bringing together everything from cutting carbon emissions and creating greener campuses to pioneering research, supporting local communities and equipping students with the skills needed for a low-carbon future.

Organised by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) in association with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Green Gown Awards are regarded as the sector’s leading benchmark for environmental sustainability.

At the heart of UEL's submission is its Net Zero Carbon by 2030 programme, which has transformed sustainability from a series of individual projects into a university-wide effort involving staff, students, researchers and partners

That approach is already delivering results. In terms of Sustainability Performance, UEL has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 8.45 per cent, taking overall emissions to almost 20 per cent below its 2018-19 baseline. Thousands of solar panels have been installed across campus, LED lighting has replaced older systems and electric vehicle charging points have been introduced in partnership with Siemens, reducing emissions while saving the University close to £1million.

Elsewhere, food that would otherwise have gone to waste has instead been redistributed through FareShare, providing the equivalent of around 100,000 meals, while initiatives including Too Good To Go, reusable cup schemes and carbon labelling are encouraging more sustainable everyday choices across campus. 

Green spaces have also been transformed. More than 1,200 square metres of wildflower meadows have been created, 65 native trees planted and community gardens expanded, helping to improve biodiversity while creating spaces for wildlife, students and the wider community to enjoy. 

The University's commitment to sustainability also extends to research and innovation. Academics are developing projects with global impact, including Sugarcrete®, the award-winning low-carbon building material made from agricultural waste. The University's ENERGISE partnership is advancing international research into clean energy technologies, while the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability is helping students, businesses and local organisations develop the skills and ideas needed to support the transition to a greener economy.

Sustainability has also become part of everyday student life, from active travel initiatives and wellbeing walks to living-learning communities, curriculum development and opportunities to use the campus itself as a "living laboratory" for environmental research and innovation.

The University’s progress has also been recognised externally, with a significant rise in the People & Planet University League. UEL climbed 46 places to 66th out of 147 institutions, moving into the 2:1 award class for 2025-26.

Dr Nicola Hogan, Head of Sustainability at UEL, said:

Being named a Green Gown Awards finalist is a wonderful recognition of the dedication shown by staff, students and partners across the University. It reflects our whole-institution commitment to reaching net zero carbon by 2030 and to being the most sustainable university in London.

This recognition belongs to everyone who has helped make sustainability part of everyday life at UEL. Whether that's through research, teaching, improving our campuses or working alongside our local communities, every contribution is helping us build a more sustainable future.”

The winners of the 2026 UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards will be announced on 16 November.