University of Salford projects shortlisted for national sustainability award

Established in 2004, the Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability being undertaken by colleges and universities and has become the most prestigious recognition of best environmental practice within further and higher education.

The University of Salford has been shortlisted twice in the ‘Next Generation Learning and Skills’ category: Extinction Rebellion Takeover – Creatives prove that change can happen

In November 2019, the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, and Design Manchester joined forces with Extinction Rebellion’s Art Group for a day of debates and practical workshops, focusing on environmental topics and how creative thinkers can make a difference.

Over 200 students from eight Universities took over Salford’s New Adelphi Building to respond to the creative brief set by the Extinction Rebellion Art Group – encouraging students to realise that they can ‘own their futures’ and influence change through their intelligent and inventive design responses to climate issues.

The day culminated in a vibrant exhibition on a huge stage set curated by Glastonbury Festival Shangri-La Creative Director Kaye Dunnings, spotlighting their message loud and clear.

Find out more about the Extinction Rebellion takeover. 

Collaboration: Learning and sharing together

The environmental impacts of the fashion industry are enormous, and Fashion Image Making and Styling students in the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, were set the ‘Caring Sharing’ brief which empowered students to have the confidence to stand up for the issues they believe in. The brief also equipped them with the capabilities they need to progress sustainable solutions within the fashion industry.

Students worked together in groups of 8 or 10 and were tasked with creating a full ‘look’, with zero-waste and ethical environmental consciousness at its core. Their work was exhibited for a month as part of ‘Go Green Salford’ – a busy four weeks of activities on campus to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability - and showcased everything from trainers with the soles carved into patterns to spread the message, to patchwork blankets made from boiler suits from oil rigs, and luxury sculptural dresses made out of plastic waste. The students also re-created the iconic Louis Vuitton logo as a green party collaboration.  

One group took it to the next level, making mini magazines and contacting a local school, teaching schoolchildren how to reconnect to core skills such as sewing and dying, and spreading the environmental message beyond the University.  
 

Professor Helen Marshall, Vice-Chancellor, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the University of Salford has been shortlisted not only once but twice in the Green Gown Awards for the fantastic work that we’re doing around sustainability.  

“Our students have shown that they can rise to any challenge that is set and provide creative solutions to real-world issues. It shows that as a University we are miles above the rest and that our students really are unstoppable.“

The winners of the Green Gown Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony in spring 2021.