Awarding Sustainability Excellence
Since 2004
Green Gown Awards are sponsored by
Awarding Sustainability Excellence
Since 2004
ONLINE BOOKINGS ARE NOW CLOSED. PLEASE EMAIL US DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO BOOK A TICKET.
This year we have reached a milestone as we celebrate our 20th anniversary of the Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland. Looking back over the years it is truly amazing all the remarkable, sustainability projects which have been initiated and promoted via the awards scheme. We thank you all for your continued efforts to recognise, celebrate, and share the most impactful and innovative sustainability action across the post-16 education sector.
With that in mind, we are excited to announce that this year's Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday 13 November 2024 at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, situated at the foot of Arthur’s Seat and neighboring the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Join us to network with your sustainability peers and to find out who the winners will be from our pool of 133 inspiring finalists all vying for a coveted Green Gown Award.
Meet our hosts: Jo Allatt and Charlotte Bonner
Jo Allatt
Jo Allatt is UKRI Head of Sustainability (Policy and Engagement), a Chartered Environmentalist and full member of IEMA.
Most recently Jo has played an instrumental role in bringing stakeholders together across the research and innovation sector to explore opportunities to address the environmental sustainability of research practice through the collaborative development of the new sector-wide concordat. Jo also has a focus on policy and culture change in UKRI and works closely with the UKRI Commercial team developing UKRI’s responsible procurement work.
Jo was a judge for the green gown awards in 2021 and 2022 and has presented at EAUC conferences for the last few years.
Charlotte Bonner
Charlotte is the CEO of EAUC and Secretariat of the Green Gown Awards. She has over fifteen years’ leadership experience across membership and tertiary education organisations where she’s focused on business development, transformational engagement and policy and advocacy.
Most recently she was the Education and Training Foundation’s education for sustainable development (ESD) lead, and before that was a keystone of NUS’ sustainability work, most notably project managing the UNESCO ESD prize winning Green Impact programme from its inception. She is one of the co-founders of Students Organizing for Sustainability International. She’s previously held senior teaching associate positions at the University of Bristol and was a sustainability consultant working with private and public sector clients prior to her tenure at NUS.
Charlotte has an MSc in energy and environmental technologies, is a Fellow of the RSA and a board member at Change Agents UK.
Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS
Drinks reception followed by gala dinner and Awards Ceremony, open cash bar, DJ/dancing. Ticket price includes the drinks reception, 3-course gala dinner, and table wine. In line with our sustainability policy, this will be a vegan meal.
Timings:
19:00: Welcome Reception - Rainforest gallery
19:30: 3 course Gala Dinner (vegan menu) - Stratosphere zone
21:15: Awards Ceremony/BAR - Stratosphere zone
22:30: Music/DJ - Ozone
00:30: Last orders/closure at 01:00
Dress Code: Whilst this is a black-tie/gala event, it is inclusive of any kind of attire and we do encourage individual, regional, sustainably sourced, and ethical attire.
Local Supporters: We are pleased to have Edinburgh College and Newbattle Abbey College onboard as local award ceremony supporters.
Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS
At the foot of a volcano in the historic city of Edinburgh lies Dynamic Earth, the UK’s leading earth science centre. Its immersive, interactive and impactful visitor experience takes you on a journey through the story of our extraordinary planet, from beginning to mend. Be there at the moment of the Big Bang, rocket through the universe billions of times faster than the speed of light, feel the effects of a real volcano, get closer to understanding the polar ice caps by touching an iceberg, stare in wonder at the Aurora Borealis, watch powerful glaciers carve out entire continents, dive to the dark depths of the ocean, and avoid rainstorms in our tropical rainforest. All of this, plus the incredible planetarium, and an ever-changing schedule of activities and events makes Dynamic Earth Edinburgh’s must-visit attraction. All this provides a perfect back-drop for private hire and hosting special evening events such as our Awards Ceremony.
Dynamic Earth's sustainability commitment
As the face of public engagement about climate change, it is vital Dynamic Earth ‘walks the walk’ by reducing its own carbon impact. They are proudly supported by the Green Tourism Business Scheme and have held a Gold Green Tourism Rating since 2011, this award is the highest achievement that is considered outstanding and inspirational. They have signed up to the SME Climate Hub Race to Zero initiative and have pledged a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030. To aid them in the Race to Net Zero they utilise Ecometrica to monitor their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and help identify how they can reduce their global climate impact. Dynamic Earth continues to respond to any legislative requirements and Government-led targets.
Their Green Team was established in 2009 and work closely with all its staff to continually reduce energy consumption, waste and water use. Their sustainability commitments extend further, supporting locally sourced produce for its café, catering and shop working closely with fair trade and local suppliers. Since 2023 they have ensured where possible all organisational vehicles are EVs. Where this has not been possible, they have offset the emissions for their vehicle usage. They support their visitors to make positive sustainable choices, for example by eliminating single use plastic, providing ethical food options and promoting sustainable transport options and providing e-charging points. You can read more here.
Situated at the foot of Arthur’s Seat and neighboring the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Dynamic Earth is accessible through a number of sustainable routes, including walking, bus and cycle links.
Access and inclusivity statements
BY TRAIN - The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley, which is a 15-minute walk away, when leaving from the Market Street exit.
BY FOOT - Approximately a 20-minute walk from Edinburgh City Centre. Accessible from Holyrood Road, Holyrood Gait and a public footpath from Horse Wynd.
BY BIKE - Close to the National Cycle Network, with connections via Holyrood Park. There are bike racks located outside the building on Holyrood Road. The nearest bike rental is Cycle Scotland. Click here to help plan your cycle route.
BY BUS - There are several open top tour buses which make regular stops at Dynamic Earth. Including Edinburgh Tours who hold Green Tourism Gold Award. The number 35 stops a 3-minute walk away from Dynamic Earth. Alternative routes include the 5, 7, 14, 29, 30, 31, 33, 37, 45 and 49 which stop on North Bridge and are a 10-minute walk away along Holyrood Road. Please visit the Lothian Buses website for more information.
Dynamic Earth is centrally located in Edinburgh and there are many hotel options all within an easy walk to the venue. We recommend you use a booking portal to look for best options and rates. You can search using the address/postcode of the venue: Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS.
Dynamic Earth have an agreement/special rates with 2 hotels - see details below. You need to make your own enquiries and bookings and ensure you know the terms and conditions of booking. Availability is on request. The EAUC holds no affiliation with these hotels nor any responsibility for the bookings.
Wilde Apartments - Located on King Stable Lane (just off the Grassmarket). Property Website: Beautiful Edinburgh Serviced Apartments | Wilde Aparthotels. To book please contact Wilde Apartments reservations team on [email protected] and quote ‘Dynamic Earth’ and the dates of stay. They will advise availability and directly email you. The apartments are a 24 minute walk from Dynamic Earth.
Studio Corporate Rates 2024: October to November - £145 per night – quote Dynamic Earth. These rates are valid Sunday – Thursday, based on Studio apartment only, and room only rates. A buffet breakfast can be added on for £12 by the guest in advance, or on the day of arrival for £16.
Payment & Cancellation - A card will be requested on booking and charged on the arrival date for the total amount for the stay. Free of charge cancellation 48 hours prior to 3pm on the date of arrival. All cancellations must be in writing to [email protected] and is only cancelled once confirmed in writing.
Motel One - Dynamic Earth have a partnership agreement in place with Motel One. Motel One have over 300 guestroom in the heart of the city, across two properties, centrally located on Market Street and Princes St, a short 20 minute walk from Dynamic Earth. Property Website here.
Pricing subject to time of year: November 2024 - Single room from £99.00 per night / Double room from £119.00 per night. To take advantage of the discounted prices please follow the instructions to sign up to the ‘be at One Member program’. Once your account has been created please attach the partner code -UKDFC8235DD (see attachment) to your profile. Once the partner code has been added to your profile, you will be able to book your accommodation in any of the Edinburgh Motel One properties. Please note a credit card is required to confirm your individual bookings and the cancelation terms will be highlighted up confirmation. See the step-by-step guide to help you set up your account details.
If you need help booking Motel One, please contact Emma Campbell via email.
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