• Charles Sturt receives highly commended placing in the ‘Sustainability Institution of the Year’ category at the 2020 International Green Gown Awards

Charles Sturt University has received a highly commended placing in the ‘Sustainability Institution of the Year’ category at the 2020 International Green Gown Awards.

The awards recognise excellence in sustainability within the worldwide tertiary education sector and were hosted online for the first time by The United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development on Wednesday 8 July.

Charles Sturt was one of three Australasian finalists that qualified for the international awards and was the only Australasian finalist in the ‘Sustainability Institution of the Year’ category.

Nine other universities from across the globe were finalists for the category, which recognises universities that have demonstrated a sustained, whole-institution commitment and impact to becoming a sustainable organisation.

The winners of the category were the International Islamic University Malaysia (small institution) and Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Peru (large institution), with Charles Sturt University, Universidad Tecmilenio, Mexico and University of Worcester, UK all receiving highly commended placings.

Charles Sturt University Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor John Germov said to be a finalist for the international awards is an honour and recognises the University’s strong commitment to improving sustainability across both the institution and the tertiary education sector.

“To have Charles Sturt University’s sustainability efforts and accomplishments recognised on the international stage is an incredible honour,” Professor Germov said.

“Receiving this highly commended placing recognises that Charles Sturt University is a global industry leader in sustainable practices and it is a testament to the dedication and efforts a large number of staff and students make to support sustainability actions across our entire institution.

“Thank you to everyone at Charles Sturt University who works tirelessly every day to progress our sustainability goals.”  

Charles Sturt progressed to the finals for the ‘Sustainability Institution of the Year’ category after winning the ‘Continuous Improvement: Institutional Change’ category at the Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability Green Gown Awards last year.

Finalists for the international award category have to demonstrate and provide evidence of strategic sustainability activities and achievements through four main areas: Leadership and Governance; Estates and Operations; Learning, Teaching and Research; and Partnership and Engagement. 

The International Green Gown Awards are supported by UN Environment and are open to all universities or colleges.

They include 12 organisational award categories and three individual and team award categories.

A full history of Charles Sturt’s sustainability achievements and commitments is available on the CSU Green webpage on the Charles Sturt website.

CSU Green is Charles Sturt’s program and business area dedicated to driving forward the University’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for all.