Exeter College achieves ‘Beyond Gold’ in Green Impact Awards for second consecutive year
Exeter College’s commitment to environmental sustainability has once again been recognised with a ‘Beyond Gold’ Award at the University of Oxford’s 2026 Sustainability Showcase. The achievement marks the second consecutive year that the College has secured Beyond Gold accreditation, building on two years of Gold Awards and demonstrating continued efforts towards sustainable practices across the College community.
The Beyond Gold award recognises institutions that go beyond the standard Green Impact framework by delivering ambitious and innovative sustainability projects. This year, Exeter focused on developing Carbon Literacy across the College, equipping both staff and students with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate change and support the transition to a low-carbon future.
During Michaelmas Term, Exeter hosted Carbon Literacy Training sessions for staff and students in collaboration with Corpus Christi College and Lincoln College. The Carbon Literacy Project – a United Nations-recognised, multi-award-winning initiative – aims to establish a low-carbon culture through certified climate education and behaviour change. The training has created a strong foundation for future sustainability initiatives and wider engagement across the College community.
Alongside this flagship project, Exeter continued its successful programme of weekly Sustainability Lunches. Bringing together students and staff, these events combined discussion, collaboration, and vegetarian catering, while guest speakers from academia and industry explored a diverse range of sustainability topics. The initiative also strengthened partnerships between College staff and the JCR and MCR Environment Officers.
The College has also continued to reduce its operational carbon footprint. The recent transition to an electric van has eliminated direct fuel use associated with the College vehicle fleet, removing these Scope 1 emissions. Work is ongoing to reduce emissions from the built environment through energy efficiency measures, investigations into zero-carbon heating systems, and the adoption of electric alternatives for maintenance equipment.
Congratulations to Sustainability Officer Juliet Tye and the Green Impact team on this outstanding achievement. Their dedication and collaborative approach continue to drive Exeter College’s environmental ambitions and support the University’s wider sustainability goals.
