Falmouth University shortlisted at prestigious sustainability awards

Falmouth University has been announced as a finalist at the Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland under the ‘Tomorrow’s Employees’ category. 

Following success at the 2022 Green Gown Awards, for which Falmouth University was shortlisted for two awards (winning an award for ‘Reporting with Influence’), the University’s teaching and learning team has received a nod for their innovative work on developing a novel curriculum design tool ‘The Falmouth Curriculum Ladder for Sustainability' (FCL-S).  

The tool was developed to aid teaching colleagues in embedding sustainability across the curricula, using a blend of design thinking and impactful pedagogic methodology which measures the degree to which sustainability education is embedded in students’ learning. It was designed by academics seeking to improve employability and develop students as eco-responsible global citizens.  

The prestigious Green Gown Awards was developed in association with UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), recognising the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges. It acts as a showcase for best practice within the further and higher education sectors. 

The University declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since implemented a range of initiatives on and off campus to engage its campus community, improve operations and promote positive behavioural changes. 

Dr Russell Crawford, Director of Academic Innovation and Quality at Falmouth University, said the tool is actively helping educators across the institution to enhance sustainability knowledge and skills. He said: “The FCL-S is an academic curriculum tool which enables us to capture and report on sustainability embeddedness at the course level.

"We have adopted the FCL-S into our quality and standards processes, thereby driving a broader, deeper understanding of sustainability issues and themes. This means students leaving Falmouth gain better understanding of the importance of sustainability within their disciplines as well as aiding them more holistically as global citizens. The ladder tool offers a unique way to embody our commitment to developing creative leaders and facilitating experimental, environmental and social impact.”

Winning finalists and highly commended entries will be announced at the Green Gown Awards Ceremony, which is set to take place in November.  

Find out more about Sustainability at Falmouth