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Recognising and rewarding staff for their sustainable practices, regardless of the workplace setting.

Green Impact is a sustainability accreditation programme that recognises and rewards environmental practices among staff and students in colleges and departments. Teams work through a workbook to complete sustainability actions and earn points. There are bronze, silver, and gold levels.

What is Green Impact?

Green Impact is a sustainability awards programme with an awards element designed for teams and departments. The model has been developed by SOS-UK and has been used by more than 1,500 organisations across the world. Green Impact is all about building a community of staff and students learning about sustainability and working together to create positive change.

Since Green Impact launched at the University of York in 2011, more than 11,000 actions have been completed by teams, more than 500 students have volunteered, and more than 300 awards have been presented.

Green Impact achievements this year

1,556 actions completed

as part of the programme

24% increase in vegetation

with ISA's project on Heslington East Solar Farm

289 actions directly linking to the UN SDGs

30 teams submitting

reaching 2,833 members of staff and students

37 awards presented

at the annual awards ceremony

70 students trained as Auditors/Project Assistants

widening their university experience

Key information

Use the dropdowns below to find out more about Green Impact, what it involves, who can take part, and the process to achieve an award.

Getting started

Find out how you can get involved as a staff member or student.

For undergraduate students

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to get involved with Green Impact by volunteering either as a Green Impact Project Assistant or a Green Impact Auditor. Register your interest by emailing greenimpact@york.ac.uk

Bespoke projects

Teams and awards

Use the dropdowns below to find the teams who have won Green Impacts awards.