College Recognised for Community-Led Sustainability at Green Gown Awards

Bradford College has been named a winner at the UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards, securing top honours in the ‘Benefitting Society (Small Organisation)’ category for its innovative Welcome Café project.

Delivered by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) in partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the awards celebrate sustainability leadership across post-16 education. Now in their 21st year, this year’s ceremony showcased 112 finalists from 76 institutions, with winners announced at the Library of Birmingham.

The recognition places Bradford College alongside leading universities and colleges driving forward social, environmental, and climate action across the UK and Ireland.

Welcome Café: A Model for Social, Cultural and Environmental Impact

Bradford College’s winning project, the Welcome Café, provides practical catering and hospitality training for refugees and people seeking asylum, while bringing the wider community together through shared meals.

Operating in an inclusive college space, the café transforms surplus food into nutritious vegan dishes inspired by global cuisines. The initiative:

• reduces food waste
• promotes health and wellbeing
• fosters cultural exchange and community cohesion
• develops employability skills
• supports climate action and zero-waste goals

For participants who have fled conflict or persecution, the café offers stability, confidence, and a sense of belonging. For local residents, it provides affordable meals and a welcoming community hub at a time when social isolation remains a persistent challenge.

“At Bradford College, sustainability isn’t a policy; it’s a lived experience, which is clearly demonstrated in the Welcome Café project. We are proud to be winners, allowing us to showcase how education transforms lives. Students have not only learned English but found their voice, their confidence, and their place. — Chris Webb, CEO & Principal, Bradford College

The judges praised the initiative for its social impact and for demonstrating how education institutions can lead on community-based sustainability.

Reboot for Good: Refurbishing Tech to Fight Digital Exclusion

Bradford College also received a Highly Commended award in the ‘Next Generation Learning & Skills’ category for its Reboot for Good project.

The pilot trains students to repair and refurbish broken or obsolete PCs, extending their life and reducing electronic waste. Around 50 refurbished devices have already been donated to community centres and installed in new digital hubs, helping to reduce digital inequality for residents who struggle to access technology.

This hands-on approach gives students practical skills while contributing to circular economy goals and community learning.

“I’m so delighted that our sustainability projects have got the recognition they deserve. Most of the other entries, award winners, and highly commended recipients were UK and Irish universities, so to be there and win as an FE College is an outstanding achievement and speaks volumes about the vital work we are doing in this important area.” — Chelsie Naylor, Sustainability Lead, Bradford College

Sustainability Becomes Embedded Across Further and Higher Education

EAUC and UKRI highlighted the increasing ambition and maturity of sustainability work across the sector.

“The quality of entries this year was outstanding once again. What’s particularly striking is how mainstream this has become – sustainability isn’t a side project anymore, it’s part of core strategy, teaching, estates and community partnerships for many post-16 education providers.” — Charlotte Bonner, Chief Executive, EAUC

“The 112 finalists this year demonstrate the real impact that educational institutions can have in driving environmental innovation and creating positive change.” — Martin Farley, UKRI Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability Programme

The Green Gown Awards have become a benchmark for sustainability excellence in education, showcasing projects that deliver measurable social and environmental benefits.

Looking Ahead to the International Stage

As a category winner, Bradford College will now advance automatically to the International Green Gown Awards, taking place in 2026. The global competition brings together winners from regional Green Gown programmes across Australasia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.

The college’s work with the Welcome Café will represent the UK and Ireland on the international stage, highlighting how community-centred initiatives can drive sustainability outcomes and support social inclusion.

Further information about this year’s recognised projects is available via the Green Gown Awards Finalists’ Showcase at: www.greengownawards.org/showcasing-our-2025-finalists