'Green' Brighton commended at ethical awards
Published 2 July 2009
A University of Brighton programme which seeks to reduce social inequalities in local communities has been highly commended at the national Green Gown Awards 2009.
The university's Community University Partnership Programme (Cupp) was highly commended in the Social Responsibility category at the prestigious awards, which recognises exceptional initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across Britain to become more environmentally and socially sustainable.
Founded in 2003, Cupp has transformed relations between the university and hundreds of local community organisations, and develops solutions to real problems using university resources. Since 2004 Cupp has responded to 900 helpdesk enquiries; involved over 300 students annually in community engagement projects as part of their accredited learning and initiated over 100 knowledge-based partnerships.
The university's Students' Union was also shortlisted for an award in the Student Initiatives category for their innovative student champions' scheme which sees students trained as advocates of sustainable development in education. The scheme was set up after students expressed interest in increasing the sustainable development content and principles in their courses.
Cupp's recent accolade comes less than a year after Cupp scooped another prestigious award for their 'Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community' at the Times Higher Education Awards.
Cupp's academic director Professor Angie Hart, said: "Visability via Green Gown will help others recognise the range and quality of Cupp's activities. It's exciting to work for a university that is so visionary about social responsibility and community engagement, and willing to invest in it. There's so much people are doing across the university community to try to meet the needs of our local communities whilst producing really good academic work in the process."
David Wolff, director of Cupp, added: "So many community partners as well as academics, students and administrative staff across the university have worked with Cupp - this commendation reflects their efforts."
The university's Pro-Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs, Stuart Laing, says: "Cupp is leading the way to foster in students a sense of citizenship as well as skills for real life. We have found many opportunities to achieve mutual benefit by academics, students and community partners working together on real problems. It enhances student learning, changes the research agenda, and can bring real practical solutions."
Left to right: Stuart Laing and David Wolff
Now in their fifth year the awards have 12 various categories – from Green ICT to Carbon Reduction - which nearly 100 institutions entered to illustrate their achievements, in both academia and estates management. The awards are administered by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC).
Shortlisted applicants underwent a rigorous assessment, involving 30 expert judges drawn from a range of relevant institutions including the Carbon Trust, the Learning and Skills Council and Universities UK.
The judges deemed Cupp to be a 'cutting edge programme', further adding: "It is a powerful example of partnership working, which is key to social responsibility programmes. It offers a genuine sense of exchange with and response to local community needs."
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