Deadline: 10-Apr-2026
The International Green Gown Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding sustainability initiatives from tertiary education institutions worldwide. The awards aim to showcase practical and innovative sustainability practices that can be replicated by institutions globally. There is no application fee, although applicants are encouraged to make a voluntary contribution of USD 150 if possible.
What are the International Green Gown Awards?
The International Green Gown Awards are global awards that honour exceptional sustainability efforts undertaken by tertiary education institutions.
The programme is designed to:
- Recognise innovative sustainability achievements
- Celebrate successful institutional practices
- Share lessons learned across the education sector
- Promote sustainability models that can be adopted and adapted globally
These awards provide international visibility to institutions demonstrating leadership in environmental and social sustainability.
Purpose of the Awards
The awards are intended to highlight examples of excellent sustainability practice in higher and tertiary education.
They encourage institutions to showcase initiatives that:
- Deliver measurable sustainability impact
- Inspire peer institutions
- Support knowledge exchange
- Strengthen institutional leadership in sustainability
- Demonstrate replicable and scalable approaches
Funding or Entry Cost
Application Fee
- No application fee is required to enter the awards
Voluntary Contribution
- Institutions are encouraged to make a voluntary contribution of USD 150 if they are able to do so
This contribution is optional and does not affect eligibility.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Institutions
Applicants must be tertiary education institutions located outside:
- The United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Australasia
Eligible institution types include:
- Universities
- Colleges
- TVET providers
- Adult learning providers
- Technical institutions
- Research institutions
- Other learning and skills institutions
Regional Restriction
Institutions located in the following regions are not eligible to apply directly through the international route:
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Australasia
Instead, these institutions must apply through their respective regional Green Gown Awards programmes.
Why These Awards Matter
The International Green Gown Awards are important because they help education institutions:
- Gain global recognition for sustainability leadership
- Share proven practices with institutions worldwide
- Strengthen their reputation in environmental responsibility
- Encourage cross-border learning and innovation
- Promote sustainability in campus operations, teaching, research, and community engagement
For institutions already implementing impactful sustainability programmes, these awards can serve as a strong platform for international visibility and peer learning.
What Makes a Strong Entry?
A strong submission should clearly demonstrate:
- A well-defined sustainability initiative
- Evidence of impact or measurable outcomes
- Innovation in design or implementation
- Potential for replication or adaptation
- Clear lessons learned
- Institutional commitment and leadership
- Relevance to broader sustainability goals in education
How to Apply
Application Tips
- Confirm geographic eligibility
Ensure your institution is located outside the UK, Ireland, and Australasia. - Check institution type
Make sure your organization qualifies as a tertiary education or learning institution. - Select your strongest sustainability initiative
Choose a project with clear outcomes, innovation, and lessons for others. - Focus on impact and replicability
Explain how your initiative can be adapted by other institutions globally. - Highlight lessons learned
The awards value practical learning and sector-wide inspiration. - Consider the voluntary contribution
If your institution can, you may make the suggested USD 150 voluntary contribution, but this is optional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues:
- Submitting without confirming regional eligibility
- Applying directly from the UK, Ireland, or Australasia instead of through regional programmes
- Describing a sustainability activity without showing results or impact
- Failing to explain what other institutions can learn or replicate
- Treating the voluntary contribution as mandatory
- Submitting a broad institutional profile instead of a specific initiative
FAQ
1. What are the International Green Gown Awards?
They are global awards that recognise and celebrate outstanding sustainability initiatives from tertiary education institutions around the world.
2. Is there an application fee?
No. There is no application fee.
3. Is the USD 150 payment mandatory?
No. The USD 150 contribution is voluntary and only encouraged if the institution is able to contribute.
4. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include tertiary education institutions outside:
- The UK
- Ireland
- Australasia
This includes universities, colleges, TVET providers, adult learning providers, technical institutions, research institutions, and other learning and skills institutions.
5. Can institutions from the UK, Ireland, or Australasia apply?
Yes, but not through the international route. They must apply through their regional Green Gown Awards programmes.
6. What kind of initiatives are the awards looking for?
They are looking for excellent sustainability practices that demonstrate:
- Innovation
- Impact
- Lessons learned
- Replicability for other institutions
Conclusion
The International Green Gown Awards 2026 offer an excellent opportunity for tertiary education institutions worldwide to gain recognition for innovative and impactful sustainability initiatives.
For more information, visit EAUC.