A mission to decolonise and decarbonise De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has earned the institution a highly commended award at the prestigious International Green Gown Awards.
The Decolonising and Decarbonising DMU entry highlighted the work to challenge racism and build an anti-racist university that creates fairness for all staff and students and showed how this was incorporated into the work of DMU’s Sustainable Development Team.
The project was launched to dismantle racist barriers and structures so that staff and students could succeed, by challenging racism, changing cultures and behaviours and improving representation, progression and talent.
Decolonising DMU is applied in every element of university life including within the Education for Sustainable Development team which was a prime focus for the International Green Gown Awards category.
In partnership with the Decolonising DMU team, the Sustainable Development Team had previously won a UK Green Gown Award in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability category and were then entered into the international awards. There were 95 finalists from 28 different countries.
The awards recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the world's universities and colleges with organisers saying the International Green Gown Awards set the bar and put every learning institution at the heart of delivering UN Global Goals.
Charlotte Bonner, CEO of the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education, said: “[These awards] not only highlight innovative sustainability solutions but also promotes the replication of these successful initiatives globally.
“This is critical when we know the pace and scale needed to address urgent climate and biodiversity crises and tackle systemic inequalities. We invite everyone to explore these inspiring projects and join us in celebrating the positive impact they are making worldwide."
Diane Mak, Head of Impact Strategy at award sponsors Allianz Global Investors, said: “As a partner of the awards, it has been fantastic to see the many inspirational projects across the globe that are providing sustainability solutions addressing diverse environmental and social challenges.
“Being part of the judging panel has also given me the great opportunity to exchange ideas and feedback for some of the projects.
“Our heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists – beyond delivering positive change within your institutions and communities, your projects are raising awareness around sustainability issues and will help inspire others to contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Decolonising DMU member Richard Hall, Professor of Education and Technology, said: “DMU’s success at the International Green Gown Awards builds on our success at the UK Green Gowns in 2023.
“This reflects the centrality of partnership-working between students, professional services and academic staff that underpins its Decolonising DMU (DDMU) project.
“Over its five-year history, DDMU has centred Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and sought to apply its values-driven approach to a whole institution project. This has enabled it to role model social justice for all.
“This has clear links to our innovative work around sustainable development and sustainability, and the ways in which we embody these in the classroom and curriculum, through public engagement and impact, and in research and innovation.”
Posted on Tuesday 8 October 2024