Darren Axe, Green Lancaster Manager, has demonstrated his commitment to sustainability by cycling to a recent EAUC sustainability conference at Loughborough University - a total of 225km in one day.

In the face of train strikes, Darren chose to take the most sustainable travel option possible by cycling from Lancaster University to Loughborough University. Setting off at 7 am, he cycled through Preston, Manchester, the Peak District and Derby, before finally reaching Loughborough at 11.30 pm the same day.

The conference which looks at sustainability in higher education, provided inspiration for Darren and the team to progress the good work already being achieved in sustainability across the institution. As part of the conference, there were also the ever-popular annual sustainability awards - The Green Gown Awards, for which Lancaster University was a finalist in two categories this year. Firstly for Student Engagement for our Green Lancaster ECOWoods project which looks at land restoration at Forrest Hills and has planted trees across campus, Forrest Hills and various sites in the local community and Lake District. Additionally, Darren Axe was also nominated personally for Sustainability Staff Champion, for his hard work running Green Lancaster and promoting climate action across the University.

Sustainability Marketing and Communications Officer, Natalie Bauer said "We're really proud to be a finalist for two Green Gown Awards, especially amongst such strong initiatives from other universities. This demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and is a great reward for all the staff and students involved in our sustainability work this year."

At the awards, we received praise for our commitment to our practical opportunities on campus - for staff and students to get involved in environmental responses to the climate emergency through our Green Lancaster projects. Discover more about these initiatives and our work in sustainability on our website.