Oxford University Raff Lab and Wadham College were among the winners at this year’s Oxford Climate Awards.
The event awards individuals, businesses, and institutions in the Oxford area for their environmental work. This year’s awards, which were given at Oxford Town Hall earlier this month, were hosted by Oxford City Council in partnership with The Oxford Times, Oxford Mail, and digital marketing company LocaliQ.
Individuals or groups can be nominated for climate in up to twelve categories, including the Innovation in Climate Action, Sustainable School of the Year, and Youth Climate Action Awards. Nominations were assessed by a panel of independent judges.
Raff Lab, part of the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, won the Innovation in Climate Action Award and was also named Overall Winner for its efforts to incorporate sustainable practices into its work.
Dr Saroj Saurya, winner of the Climate Action Champion Award and laboratory manager of the Raff Lab, told Cherwell: “We were absolutely delighted and genuinely surprised when the Raff Lab was announced as the Overall Winner of the Oxford Climate Awards. It is a wonderful recognition of years of hard work, persistence and collaboration.
“These awards are not just about one laboratory or individual. They reflect the growing culture of environmental sustainability across the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, made possible through the encouragement and support of our Head of Department, Professor Matthew Freeman, the dedication of Green Group volunteers, and the contributions of our technical and facilities teams and colleagues across the department.”
Saurya is chair of the Dunn School Green Group, which aims to promote environmental sustainability within the Dunn School and the wider community.
Saurya told Cherwell: “One of our priorities is to develop a circular-economy approach in which laboratory plastics that cannot be reused are collected, processed and potentially turned into new laboratory products, rather than being discarded as waste.”
Wadham won the Sustainable Further Education School of the Year award.
Director of Sustainability Frances Lloyd told Cherwell: “There has been a significant effort across the college to ensure Wadham plays its part in developing and demonstrating solutions to reduce its climate impact while contributing actively to nature recovery. Recognition like this demonstrates our commitment and determination to make a difference and will hopefully inspire others.”
