Wadham is a Oxford 2025 Climate Awards Finalist

Administered by The Oxford Mail, Oxford City Council, Oxford Mail, and LOCALiQ, and sponsored by many other supporting partners, the Oxford Climate Awards acknowledge and celebrate the dedicated environmental stewards within the Oxfordshire community. In addition, "the awards not only foster a sense of collective responsibility but also provide a platform for sharing innovative solutions and best practises."

There are multiple categories of award, with Wadham standing in contention for the Sustainable Further Education School/College of the Year. Sponsored by Lucy Group, this award recognises "the work of higher education authorities at educating the next generation on climate change." This work can include "individual eco-groups or whole school action or initiatives on topics such as (but not limited to) air quality, zero waste, travel, and more."

Frances Lloyd, Wadham's Director of Sustainability, said, "We feel very honoured that the panel have selected our achievements from the many applications and would like to congratulate all climate action heroes shortlisted for these prestigious awards.

Wadham is deeply committed to sustainability, evidenced by its scientists undertaking world-leading research on areas such as nature-based solutions and ecosystems, its ambitious sustainability strategy to reduce its environmental impact and improve biodiversity, and its initiatives to educate and inspire the next generation to create a more sustainable future. Our free-to-attend residential climate change summer school for year 12 state school students is one of the many examples of the College’s strong commitment to making positive social and environmental impact.

At Wadham, sustainable further education is about integrating sustainability into every part of College life to minimize our environmental impact and providing an inclusive and supportive culture to develop knowledge, skills and confidence to all within our college and more widely to safeguard nature and create a just and fair world for all. All staff and students have a part to play in this."

The finalists were officially revealed at pre-award night at Oxford Town Hall on Thursday, August 28, featuring speeches from Darran Reynolds, commercial director for Newsquest Oxfordshire, and the lord mayor of Oxford Louise Upton.

The Wadham team and the other finalists will return to the Town Hall on September 17 for the announcement of the winners.