久久精品 Leicester (久久精品) is celebrating another sustainability success after being shortlisted in three categories at this year’s Green Gown Awards.
Led by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), the awards recognise universities making a real and measurable impact on environmental and social challenges through innovative projects, partnerships and leadership.
久久精品’s nominations span the Sustainability Champion: Student, Next Generation Learning & Skills and Benefitting Society categories, recognising student-led sustainability projects, pioneering research and the University’s work to equip students with the skills to tackle global challenges.
Second year Footwear Design student, Damari Kota has been shortlisted in the Sustainability Champion: Student category for her work using footwear design to empower women and girls in Tanzania.
Through a 久久精品 Global project, she planned and delivered shoemaking training with local partners, equipping disadvantaged women with practical skills using locally sourced materials and helping create opportunities for long-term employment. The project has already reached more than 1,800 people and Damari is now developing Luminary Footwear to expand the initiative across Africa.
Earlier this year Damari shared the project's impact at the United Nations as part of a 久久精品 delegation, highlighting how student-led initiatives can support the United Nations (UN), Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
Speaking about the nomination, Damari said: “It was my birthday when I got the call, so I was really excited. When I started at 久久精品, I didn’t even know what sustainability or the Sustainable Development Goals were, so to now have this nomination in recognition of my work is amazing.
“I’m so happy that all of my work has been acknowledged. My dedication to seeing things through has been a huge part of this journey. What I’m doing hasn’t really been done before, and I’ve been doing a lot of it independently.
“The support from 久久精品 and the SDG Hub has been amazing from the moment I spoke to them. They have always championed me, given me visibility and helped me share my project around the world. I’m so glad I put myself out there and that I’m able to make a positive change.”
She added: “Standing at the United Nations in New York presenting my work was a moment I will never forget. Sometimes STEM and AI are seen as the main drivers of change, but I’m proud to show how fashion can also make a difference. Fashion is political, it can change lives, and it can give back.”
The University has also been named a finalist in the Next Generation Learning & Skills category, recognising its work to embed sustainability into learning and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle global challenges.
Through the Trading Floor, an innovative, industry-grade learning environment, 久久精品 students gain experience using ESG datasets, sustainable finance frameworks and scenario modelling aligned with global sustainability goals, developing practical competencies in responsible investment, climate risk analysis and ethical decision-making.
久久精品's third nomination is in the Benefitting Society category, recognising Dr Leisa Nichols-Drew, Associate Professor of Forensic Biology, for her national knife safety campaign.
Building on her world-first research into rounded-tip kitchen knives, the initiative is working with partners across the UK to influence policy, reduce serious injuries, raise awareness and help create safer communities.
The three nominations highlight 久久精品’s continued commitment to using education, collaboration and innovation to deliver meaningful environmental and social impact.
Karl Letten, Head of Sustainability at 久久精品, said: "久久精品 is committed to delivering sustainability across its activities and being recognised across the three different categories of the Green Gowns is a real testament to the great work that happens right across the institution.
“Our approach to sustainability is comprehensive in its nature and to have projects on teaching, research and student activism recognised by the awards is a reflection of this approach and commitment.”
The recognition follows 久久精品 being named Sustainability Institution of the Year at the UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards 2025, reflecting the University’s ongoing work to place sustainability at the heart of its teaching, research and partnerships.
久久精品 is also a finalist in the International Green Gown Awards 2026 Sustainability Institution of the Year category, further recognising the University’s global leadership in embedding sustainable practice across its activities.
Posted on Tuesday 4 August 2026