Victoria University of Wellington wins prestigious international sustainability award
Victoria University of Wellington has won an international sustainability award for its student leadership programme at the United Nations-hosted Green Gown Awards ceremony in New York.
The awards are the most prestigious recognition of sustainability best practice within the education sector globally, and are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The University won two Green Gown Awards in the Australasian section of the competition in November last year, meaning it went on to compete in the international event.
The University won in the ‘benefiting society’ category for its Victoria Plus Programme.
The programme was the first of its kind in New Zealand and generates student volunteering and civic engagement opportunities. Students volunteering on campus and in the wider Wellington community contribute between 100 and 300 hours of their time respectively towards the Victoria Plus Certificate and Award.
“Victoria University of Wellington is a leader in sustainability in the university sector in Australasia and it is wonderful to now gain international recognition,” says Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford. “We are committed to preparing critically informed, globally confident, civic-minded graduates and the Victoria Plus Programme is an important part of what we offer.”
Thousands of students have participated in the programme over the last 11 years, says Jane Fletcher, Manager Careers and Employment.
“We are absolutely delighted with this international recognition. The Victoria Plus Programme is an opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zone, connect to their community and bring about change,” she says.