University of Chichester named Green Business of the Year

The University of Chichester has been named Green Business of the Year at the 2026 Sussex Chamber Business Awards.

The award recognised the university’s commitment to sustainability and its work to reduce its environmental impact across its campuses.

It was presented during a ceremony in Brighton hosted by Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell.

Lucy Ferre, the university’s Energy and Carbon Manager, and Emily Shepherd, Environmental and Sustainable Development Coordinator, accepted the award on its behalf.

The university has set a target of achieving net zero by 2045, supported by carbon reduction goals included within its current five-year strategy.

Its environmental initiatives have included Carbon Literacy training, the installation of electric vehicle charging points and greater monitoring of electricity use to identify areas of high consumption.

The university has also removed single-use cups and carried out studies into improving the efficiency of its heat networks.

Students, staff and partner organisations have been encouraged to reduce their environmental impact through events, campaigns and communications.

The university has also worked with Chichester District Council to host the Wasted Opportunity conference, which aimed to help businesses reduce waste and find further value in raw materials.

Judges praised the university’s “strategic, institution-wide commitment to sustainability” and its ability to turn its environmental ambitions into measurable results.

A spokesperson for the Sussex Chamber of Commerce said: “The University of Chichester impressed the judges with its strategic, institution-wide commitment to sustainability and its ability to translate ambition into measurable results. Through innovative initiatives, meaningful carbon reduction, the integration of sustainability into education, and leadership within the wider community, the University has demonstrated how organisations can create lasting environmental and social impact. Its holistic approach, clear vision, and measurable achievements make it a highly deserving winner.”

Reflecting on the win, Lucy Ferre said: “We were already delighted to have been shortlisted, so to be named Green Business of the Year was fantastic.

“It’s great to be able to highlight the importance of green businesses and how we want to support the area in developing greener processes. Sustainability doesn’t stop at our campus boundaries. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing and leading by example, we hope to help businesses, organisations and communities across Sussex adopt greener practices and contribute to a more sustainable future for the region.”

The award recognises the University’s growing role as a sustainability leader in Sussex, demonstrating how higher education institutions can drive meaningful environmental change while supporting the communities they serve.

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