Global Action Plan, the charity coordinating the Sustainable City Awards, today announces the individuals and organisations honoured in last night’s awards ceremony. A cross-sector panel of 35 judges worked over the spring to select winners from over 70 nominations.
Working with awards partners the Mayor of London and LEDNet (London Environment Directors’ Network), the 2021 awards celebrated the inspirational ways in which schools, local authorities and voluntary organisations in London have turned the Covid-19 crisis into an opportunity to build back better.
From a chest physician on London’s frontline looking after Londoner’s lungs, to school garden initiatives, councils increasing their School Streets and cycling clubs, the awards showcased how Londoners have worked hard during the pandemic, bringing together culturally diverse and under-privileged communities to advance racial, social and environmental justice.
Campaigner Rosamund Adoo Kissi-Debrah was given the special award for Outstanding Achievement for her tireless campaigning for justice for her daughter Ella.
The Sustainable City Awards 2021 winners:
Sustainable School of the Year: Hammersmith Academy for their far-reaching horticulture programme involving the whole school.
School Changemaker of the Year: Dr Jess Tipton from St Paul’s Girls’ School for creating sustainable schools networks of engaged students, across London and beyond.
Trailblazing London Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation/Group of the year: May Project Gardens in Morden for working with marginalised urban communities in Morden to address poverty, disempowerment and access to resources and influence.
The Samantha Heath Award for Individual Voluntary and Community Sector “Changemaker” of the year: Carolyn Axtell, Grassroots Community Organiser and founder of a flagship social enterprise, Joyriders that empowered hundreds of women from Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities through cycling in Waltham Forest.
Trailblazing public sector organisation of the year: Islington Council for their People Friendly Streets Initiative – during 2020, Islington nearly tripled its number of School Streets from 13 to 36, benefitting thousands of children, parents and carers.
London public sector “Changemaker” of the year: Dr Anant Patel – Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, who became a vocal Clean Air Champion for tackling air pollution across his Trust and sharing information with other health professionals on air pollution.
Special award for Outstanding Achievement: Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, WHO advocate for air quality and figurehead of the clean air movement. Rosamund founded the Ella Roberta Foundation in memory of her daughter and has tirelessly fought for justice for her.
For the first time, the awards have a prize fund of £10,000 to be shared amongst the winners of the school and voluntary sector categories. The fund has been sponsored by international financial solutions provider, Investec.
Sonja Graham, CEO, Global Action Plan says:
“Global Action Plan is incredibly proud to host the Sustainable City Awards and bring together so many people and organisations who are making life in London cleaner and greener. During an unforgettably challenging year, it has blown us away to see such community-building, positivity and determination. These awards are a microcosm of the amazing action happening across the UK – and they add to the stories of how building back greener is building back better – for all.”
Jennette Arnold OBE, Global Action Plan Trustee says:
“As a judge of the Sustainable City Awards, I’ve been impressed by the wide range of projects nominated, showcasing the commitment of Londoners to improving life for others during such a difficult year. I was particularly proud to present the first Samantha Heath Award for Individual Voluntary and Community Sector “Changemaker” of the year, in memory of Samantha Heath, former Chief Executive of London Sustainability Exchange, who oversaw these awards for several years.”
Teresa O’Brien, Head of Sustainability UK, Investec says
“We are proud to sponsor this year’s Sustainable City Awards and offer a more-than-deserved prize to those driving forward sustainability in London. The actions of individuals and organisations can truly make a difference, even over the last gruelling year. These awards offer a platform to showcase some of the most inspirational work happening around our Capital.”
Visit the awards site at: https://www.globalactionplan.org.uk/sustainable-city-awards
