Wadham is among the Oxford 2026 Climate Award winners

Now in their third year, Oxford Climate Awards acknowledge and celebrate the dedicated environmental stewards within the Oxfordshire community. Winners of the 12 categories were announced at an event at Oxford Town Hall on 15 October 2026, when the outstanding achievements of all nominated candidates were celebrated.

Wadham was in contention for the Sustainable Further Education School/College of the Year. Director of Sustainability, Frances Lloyd, Estates Manager, Chris Cox, and Head of Communications, Claire Harvey, represented the College at the awards ceremony. We were thrilled to be announced as winners.

At Wadham, we are commited to sustainability and to reducing our environmental impact and improving biodiversity, as shown by our ambitious sustainability strategy. Our scientists undertake world-leading research on areas such as nature-based solutions and ecosystems. Inititatives such as our free-to-attend residential climate change summer school for year 12 state school students aim to educate and inspire the next generation to create a more sustainable future. For us, sustainable further education is about integrating sustainability into every part of College life. All staff and students play a part in this and we are proud of the recognition this award offers our community. You can find out more with our podcast, Green Wadham and the making of a sustainable college, in which Frances Lloyd, who is one year into her post of Director of Sustainability, talks to Tutorial Fellow in Biology, Joe Bull, about our progress in becoming sustainable.

The Oxford Climate Awards are administered by The Oxford Times, Oxford City Council, Oxford Mail, and LOCALiQ, and sponsored by many other supporting partners. Lucy Group, sponsors of the Sustainable Further Education School/College of the Year award, were particularly pleased to support this category, which recognises '...the important role that educational institutions play in shaping the next generation. Through teaching, skills development and community engagement schools and colleges are helping to build a more sustainable future.'

This inspiring event was introduced by introduced by regional editor, Andrew Colley, and Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Zero Carbon Oxford, Anna Railton. Host, Nigel Owens MBE, is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby referees of all time. A well-known author and broadcaster, Mr Owen fulfilled a lifelong ambition of by becoming a farmer after retiring from the world of sport.

Many thanks to the organisers of these inspirational awards and congratulations to all fellow winners and nominees on their outstanding achievements.