Reflecting on the University of Leeds Sustainability Celebration 2026
The University of Leeds has recognised outstanding individuals, teams and community partners at its annual Sustainability Celebration, highlighting the collaborative efforts helping to create a more environmentally and socially responsible future.
Held on 29 June at the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall in the School of Music, the event brought together staff, students and local community organisations to celebrate achievements that are advancing sustainability across the University and beyond.
The celebration reflected on a year of progress and showcased the collective action taking place across teaching, research, operations and community partnerships. Speakers highlighted how collaboration between colleagues, students and external partners is helping to turn sustainability ambitions into meaningful action.
Professor Hai Sui Yu, Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor, emphasised the importance of the University’s new Framework for Environmental and Social Responsibility in supporting long term progress.
Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leeds
The Framework is key to driving forward the University of Leeds leadership in sustainability. It will also help us continue to maintain and improve our reputation, not only through sustainability rankings, but also in attracting students and staff who want to be part of a university that is values-driven and forward thinking.
Thom Cooper, Head of Sustainability, highlighted the creativity and commitment demonstrated across the University community.
Thom Cooper, Head of Sustainability at the University of Leeds.
The Sustainability Celebration was a brilliant reminder of the creativity, commitment and collaboration taking place across our University community. It was inspiring to recognise colleagues helping to embed environmental and social responsibility in so many different ways – and to celebrate the collective progress we are making together.
Collaboration at the heart of sustainability
A panel discussion explored how individuals can contribute to wider sustainability goals through their everyday work and activities.
L to R: Manoj Ravi (Lecturer in Chemical Engineering and member of the Sustainable Curriculum Project team), Chelsea Rolfe-Hayes (Assistant Head of Conferences and Events and Staff Sustainability Architect), Delight Cajo (current student and Student Sustainability Architect), Marjolaine Debant (SPARK Discover Enterprise Officer and Staff Sustainability Architect)
Representatives from the University’s Staff and Student Sustainability Architect programmes shared examples of how small actions can contribute to broader institutional change. The discussion also highlighted successful partnerships that have helped reduce environmental impacts while strengthening engagement across the University community.
Chelsea Rolfe-Hayes, Assistant Head of Conferences and Events and Staff Sustainability Architect, reflected on the importance of collaborative working in delivering more sustainable events.
The event also featured a performance by eco-poet and climate communicator Clare Townley, whose thought-provoking and humorous poetry explored environmental challenges while inspiring optimism about collective action.
Clare Townley (left) and Mike Howroyd (right) reading a poem duet.
“It was a real privilege to be part of the University of Leeds Sustainability Celebration,” said Clare. “I left feeling hopeful about what can be achieved when researchers, professional services staff, students and local communities bring their talents together for a common purpose.”
Recognising outstanding contributions
A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the University’s annual Sustainability Awards. This year, 65 nominations were received across six categories, recognising individuals and teams making a significant contribution to environmental and social responsibility.
Staff Impact Award
Winner: Sally Chan, Leeds University Business School
Sally was recognised for embedding sustainability throughout teaching, engagement and culture within Leeds University Business School. Through initiatives including the Sustainable Fashion Showcase, she has helped connect policy with practice and inspire behaviour change among staff and students.
Student Impact Award
Winner: Anastasia Karanika, Global Opportunities
Anastasia was recognised for creating opportunities for students to engage in community volunteering. By connecting student interests with local needs, she has helped thousands of students contribute positively to communities across the region.
Campus Impact Award
Winner: Leeds Institute of Medical Research (LIMR) and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM) Sustainability Group
The group was recognised for embedding sustainable practices throughout its operations and laboratories. Following a Bronze LEAF accreditation in 2024, the team continued its progress, achieving Silver LEAF status across all laboratories by October 2025.
Staff Community Collaboration Award
Winner: Anna Barker, School of Law
Anna received the award for her work leading the Safer Parks initiative, which brings together community partners to make green spaces safer, more inclusive and more accessible through targeted bystander training and engagement activities.
Local Community Organisation Award
Winners: Alwoodley 2030, Otley 2030 and Horsforth Climate Action
Represented by Jennifer Walper Roberts, Jenny Morgan and Claire Blindell, the three organisations were recognised for their collaborative Nature Neighbourhoods project. The initiative supports residents to take practical action for urban nature recovery in local gardens, streets, schools and community spaces.
Significant Contribution Award
Winner: Leslie Arkless, School of Chemistry
Leslie Arkless was recognised for his longstanding contribution to biodiversity initiatives across the University. A Staff Sustainability Architect, he has supported wildlife conservation projects, biodiversity education and engagement activities for staff and students, including Wildlife Wanders and the annual Big Campus Birdwatch.
Building a more sustainable future
The Sustainability Celebration highlighted the breadth of activity taking place across the University of Leeds and its wider community. From sustainable education and research to biodiversity, volunteering and community partnership working, the event demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when individuals and organisations work together towards shared goals.
As the University begins implementation of its new Framework for Environmental and Social Responsibility, the achievements recognised at this year’s celebration provide powerful examples of how collective action can help create positive environmental and social change at local, national and global levels.
We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our annual Sustainability Celebration is linked to all of the SDGs.
Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.