New Sustainability Prize to Reward Innovative Environmental Solutions

A new sustainability prize, generously funded by an Old Pauline will launch in January 2025 to inspire Paulines to develop creative solutions for pressing environmental challenges. This generous donor has committed £2050 annually until 2050, aligning with key global carbon reduction targets.

The Old Pauline has indicated that the overarching goal of the prize is “to find leaders who can show us how it’s possible to become more responsible consumers and still have a very good life. The prize is meant to get everyone thinking a bit more about the consequences of what we do, so we can make choices that are less damaging to future generations.”

The competition, organised through the house system but independent of house points, will require tutor groups to develop impactful projects with a credible endgame. Entries can range from apps and products to sustainability awareness campaigns and lifestyle changes like reducing meat consumption or minimizing new purchases. Teams must outline how they would utilise the prize money should they win.

Projects will be developed during the Spring Term, with a pitch day scheduled for early Summer Term. Workshops will support participating teams, and prizes will be awarded to the top three tutor groups: £1050 for 1st place, £700 for 2nd, and £300 for 3rd. Tutors will oversee spending approvals.

The judging criteria, inspired by the EarthShot and Zayed Sustainability Prizes, will assess innovation, measurable impact, collaboration, and prototype execution. Winning projects must demonstrate positive sustainability outcomes and have tested their ideas with target audiences.

The inaugural year will serve as a learning experience to refine the prize structure while fostering awareness and engagement across the SPS community. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to drive meaningful change and inspire responsible environmental stewardship.