Bradford College has been crowned a winner at this year’s UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards, delivered by EAUC in association with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Now in their 21st year, the awards recognise sustainability innovation and leadership in post-16 education across the UK and Ireland.
This year’s awards saw 112 finalists from 76 institutions shortlisted, with 23 winners and 24 highly commended awards announced at a glittering ceremony at the Library of Birmingham.
Bradford College won the ‘Benefitting Society (Small Organisation)’ category for its work with The Welcome Café. This college space that offers refugees and people seeking asylum the opportunity to gain practical training in catering and hospitality.
Based in an inclusive community space, the Welcome Café transforms surplus food into nutritious vegan meals inspired by global cuisines, celebrating culture while reducing food waste. The initiative promotes health, wellbeing, education, and employability while also supporting environmental responsibility, climate action, and zero-waste goals.
For people who have fled their home countries, the café restores confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging and is a place for the wider community to connect, share an affordable meal, and combat loneliness. For those living in temporary accommodation, these meals are often a lifeline. The Welcome Café demonstrates how compassion and collaboration can nourish both people and the planet, creating a lasting impact across communities and generations.
Chris Webb, CEO & Principal of Bradford College, said:
“At Bradford College, sustainability isn’t a policy; it’s a lived experience, which is clearly demonstrated in the Welcome Café project. We are proud to be winners, allowing us to showcase how education transforms lives. Students have not only learned English but found their voice, their confidence, and their place.”
Bradford College’s ‘Reboot for Good’ project was also Highly Commended in the Next Generation Learning & Skills category. The innovative pilot sees students breathe new life into broken and obsolete PCs. To date, around 50 refurbished machines have been donated to community centres and installed in new learner hubs, unlocking digital access for those who need it most.
Chelsie Naylor, Sustainability Lead at Bradford College, added:
“I’m so delighted that our sustainability projects have got the recognition they deserve. Most of the other entries, award winners, and highly commended recipients were UK and Irish universities, so to be there and win as an FE College is an outstanding achievement and speaks volumes about the vital work we are doing in this important area.”
Commenting on the overall results, Charlotte Bonner, Chief Executive of EAUC, said:
“The quality of entries this year was outstanding once again. What’s particularly striking is how mainstream this has become – sustainability isn’t a side project anymore, it’s part of core strategy, teaching, estates and community partnerships for many post-16 education providers.”
Martin Farley, UKRI Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability Programme, added:
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Green Gown Awards in celebrating the outstanding sustainability achievements across the UK education sector. The 112 finalists this year demonstrate the real impact that educational institutions can have in driving environmental innovation and creating positive change.”
As a winner in an international category, Bradford College will automatically progress to the International Green Gown Awards as a finalist, which will take place in 2026.
For further details about each project, please see the Finalists’ Showcase webpage: www.greengownawards.org/showcasing-our-2025-finalists
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