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Dan Priddy, a Finance and Business Performance Manager at the ���ϳԹ��� (���ϳԹ���) has been named as a finalist in the 2023 Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland. Dan has been shortlisted in recognition of his work on several decarbonisation projects across the University’s estate.

Established in 2004, the Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives by universities and colleges. The Awards have become established as the most prestigious recognition of best practice within the further and higher education sectors.

Although less than 5% of his role contributes directly to sustainability, Dan’s passion for the area has seen him drive forward change within the university, sourcing funding, instigating and delivering decarbonisation projects and embedding sustainability within the University culture’s through meaningful action and inspiring others.

Dan, has undertaken a number of collaborative projects, including:

• Working with the Welsh Government Energy Services (WGES) and Salix;
• Introducing the electrification of the University fleet vehicles;
• Introducing the staff electric vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme;
• The installation of EV charging points across the estate;
• The installation of large-scale solar projects in conjunction with TEC and EDF;
• Building fabric improvements with a whole building approach.

 Kate Williams, Head of Sustainability and Environment at ���ϳԹ��� said: “Dan is the Finance Business partner for several teams across the University. His role includes supporting, coaching, and managing staff towards good financial management, ensuring budgets and financial processes are adhered to.

“As part of his role he forecasts and reports on utilities. This, combined with a genuine passion for sustainability and the desire to make a difference, has seen Dan go over and above the normal requirements of his role and make a significant impact upon the decarbonisation of ���ϳԹ���. He has secured funding and delivered several large-scale decarbonisation projects; he has built effective partnerships with key organisations and as a business partner he is able to challenge budget spends that do not support the University’s decarbonisation agenda.”

Kate added: “Dan continues to drive the university’s renewable energy ambitions, dedicating time and energy to the formation of a business cases for new renewable energy and low carbon solutions; this includes the potential of a solar farm on campus and contributing significantly to the decarbonisation strategy that is currently being shaped.

“In addition to these specific projects there are ‘smaller’ day to day actions that he undertakes that make a huge difference to ���ϳԹ��� to encourage his peers along the sustainability spectrum and enable large scale organisational change.

“Sitting on a variety of project groups as a Finance Business Manager he challenges action that are not sustainable and suggests appropriate alternatives in a manner that encourages and enable colleagues to adapt their thinking and practice to become more sustainable. He is the sustainability conscience that will underpin organisational change.”

Victoria Camp, Strategic Lead at (WGES) said: “It’s incredible what Dan has been able to achieve for the University and he’s an asset to the organisation and real privilege to work alongside him and provide support and guidance when he needs it.”

Recently, Dan led on (and featured in) the creation of a film in partnership with The Energy Consortium (TEC) and EDF that champions decarbonisation and celebrates what ���ϳԹ��� have achieved in installing renewable energy sources at the University.

In championing sustainability, he also encourages colleagues to use Warpit to reduce waste and reuse furniture and other estate assets rather than buying new.

Dan said: “Not being a subject expert enabled me to view the challenges through different lens, I was also able to draw upon external partners such as the Welsh Government Energy Service to share knowledge and learning that would help me bring these projects to life.

“My actions have delivered energy saving projects that significantly contribute to the ���ϳԹ��� Net Zero ambition. While at the same time being able to draw down significant funding through collaborative work with the Welsh Government Energy Service. This investment funds carbon reduction projects across the University estate ensuring that it is fit for the future.”

���ϳԹ��� Vice-Chancellor Professor Elwen Evans, KC said: “I’m delighted that Dan Priddy has been recognised for his work which, combined with his passion for sustainability, has seen him instigate and lead several decarbonisation and cost saving projects across the University.

“���ϳԹ��� is dedicated to creating a community of staff and students who support sustainability through social, economic, cultural, and environmental responsibility.  Daniel’s commitment to this agenda is exemplary and is to be commended”.

Charlotte Bonner, Chief Executive Officer for EAUC, the alliance for sustainability leadership in education said: 

“The Green Gown Awards are one of the most prestigious ways we recognise impactful and innovative sustainability practice across the further and higher education sectors. They’re not our awards – they’re for the sector, delivered collaboratively in partnership in the UK and globally. In a space where greenwash and sustainability marketing has become prolific, the sector led, peer-reviewed structure of the Green Gown Awards ensures they’re meaningful, transparent, and authentic. 

“We know that the excitement and pride that comes from being a finalist is a great springboard for institutions to engage more people in their sustainability work. But the value of the Green Gown Awards is beyond the individual organisations that are nominated. We look forward to sharing stories about our finalists’ work – providing inspiration, demonstrating impact, and learning from lessons learned along the way.” 

Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony, which will take place on Thursday 30 November at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.

Further Information

Eleri Beynon

Head of Corporate Communications and PR  
Corporate Communications and PR  
Email:  eleri.beynon@uwtsd.ac.uk  
Phone: 07968 249335