SRS Changemaker Awards 2024

Active lives co-ordinator Amanda Marshall was nominated for her outstanding work in founding the Big Dig initiative and mentoring others at other sustainability events.  

Amanda has led, co-ordinated and delivered four Big Dig events and with the support of colleagues from within Estates and he Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability has recruited hundreds of volunteers who have collectively planted around 2300 trees across the university campus. 

By partnering with the Woodland Trust, Amanda has ensured the University has had access to free trees to plant throughout the estate and is proactively working with colleagues to source suitable land for future planting activity across the estate.  

Amanda has shared her expertise as a mentor, supporting others across the University to deliver similar events, such as the Peffermill Mini Dig and the hedgerow work as part of the Hedgehog Friendly Campus Scheme. 

In partnership with The Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability has been a driving force behind the Wild Peffermill initiative which aims to turn Peffermill Playing Fields into a wildlife haven, supporting nature and biodiversity and setting the stage for the university’s Wild Campus vision. 

Sean has orchestrated the planting of trees and the establishment of biodiverse habitats across the grounds highlighting his commitment to ecological restoration and conservation and actively working to combat climate change and preserving terrestrial ecosystems.     Sean has also fostered partnerships with student volunteers and other university departments, Seán has facilitated collaborative action towards achieving common environmental objectives. The impact of Seán's project extends far beyond the physical transformation of the landscape. Through his commitment and dedication, he has inspired others to re-evaluate their relationship with the environment and embrace a more sustainable way of life. 

Transport Coordinator for Edinburgh University’s Sports Union Jack Halls has been vital in improving transport processes to be more sustainable across Sport & Exercise and the Sports Union and has provided education opportunities for Sports Union drivers.     Jack implemented “Economical & Ecological Driving” as a mandatory e-learning module for all Sports Union drivers training and Tracks emissions of all club travel and provides examples of ways to offset the carbon emissions. He has also developed a Sustainable Driving Reminder Checklist which is included as part of the Sports Unions transport booking process.    Jack has ensured that information on transport sustainability has been easy to access by adding a sustainability section to the Sports Unions Transport webpage which outlines the Sports Unions Sustainability aims, shares best practice, advice and ideas for clubs and provides information/resources on public transport to encourage clubs to travel in this way. He also identifies opportunities for UoE clubs/teams to share transport to fixtures/events that are in the same area at a similar time to reduce unnecessary vehicles travelling the same distance. 

Jack has also assisted on projects such as The Big Dig at Easter Bush and Peffermill organizing opportunities for SU members to become involved.