Oxford awards recognise climate action by university and campus

Summarised from 2 outlets · 10 reports · Updated 24 Oct, 06:09 · Archive

Oxford University lab manager Dr Saroj Saurya and Harwell Science and Innovation Campus won top prizes at the Oxford Climate Awards 2026.

Dr Saroj Saurya, laboratory manager of the Raff Lab at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology at Oxford University, was named Climate Action Champion at the Oxford Climate Awards 2026. The awards were held on Thursday, October 15, at Oxford Town Hall. She was recognised for her work to reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, and embed sustainability into research culture.

Dr Saurya's approach focuses on promoting the circular economy in research labs, resulting in approximately 85 per cent reuse, 14 per cent recycling, and just 1 per cent incineration of lab plastics in the Raff Lab. These changes save around £15,000 a year, which is reinvested into staffing for reusable consumables. Energy-saving measures she promoted, such as adjusting freezer temperatures and encouraging equipment shutdowns, have led to annual savings of about £300,000 and a reduction of 300,000 kg of CO2 emissions. Her efforts have resulted in continuous LEAF accreditation of the Dunn School since 2020 and Gold and Beyond Gold Green Impact awards.

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus took home the Green Building and Design Award. The campus has adopted a comprehensive sustainable design framework across its projects, including Quad Three, Lumen House, and Tech Foundry 3. Each development features rooftop solar panels, sustainable rainwater management, and infrastructure to support low-carbon commuting, such as EV charging points and cycle parking. Lumen House was highlighted as the UK's first neuroinclusive office and laboratory space, designed to support individuals with diverse cognitive and sensory needs, and achieved a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating.

How it is being reported

• Oxford University lab manager named climate champion after £300K savingsAt the Oxford Climate Awards 2026 an Oxford University lab manager was named climate champion for the year.Oxfordshire Guardian · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Oxfordshire science and innovation campus wins building prize at climate awardsAt the Oxford Climate Awards 2026 an Oxfordshire science and innovation campus took home a prize for green building and design.Oxford Mail · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Oxford University lab manager named climate champion after £300K savingsAt the Oxford Climate Awards 2026 an Oxford University lab manager was named climate champion for the year.Oxford Mail · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Oxfordshire electric car company recognised at city climate awardsAt the Oxford Climate Awards 2026 an electric car firm was recognised for its work, in particular in Banbury, saving tonnes of carbon.Oxford Mail · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Oxfordshire science and innovation campus wins building prize at climate awardsAt the Oxford Climate Awards 2026 an Oxfordshire science and innovation campus took home a prize for green building and design.Oxfordshire Guardian · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Oxfordshire electric car company recognised at city climate awardsAt the Oxford Climate Awards 2026 an electric car firm was recognised for its work, in particular in Banbury, saving tonnes of carbon.Oxfordshire Guardian · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Council wins top environment award for nature and climate change workThe council based in Oxfordshire took home the prize for its biodiversity and ecology work, including creating the first ever tiny forest.Oxford Mail · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Oxfordshire community group wins award for renewable energy educationThe community group took home a prize at the Oxford Climate Awards 2026, which was held for the third time at Oxford Town Hall.Oxfordshire Guardian · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Oxfordshire community group wins award for renewable energy educationThe community group took home a prize at the Oxford Climate Awards 2026, which was held for the third time at Oxford Town Hall.Oxford Mail · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Council wins top environment award for nature and climate change workThe council based in Oxfordshire took home the prize for its biodiversity and ecology work, including creating the first ever tiny forest.Oxfordshire Guardian · 24 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Dr Saroj Saurya · Oxford University · Raff Lab · Dunn School of Pathology · Harwell Science and Innovation Campus · Oxford

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