The 12th annual Eco Awards, sponsored by Milestone Infrastructure, took place at ARU Peterborough on 25th May 2023, showcasing the eco-education projects of local schools over the last academic year.
Students from 11 schools across Cambridgeshire had the opportunity to display their eco-projects and share their expertise with VIPs including the new Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Nick Sandford, sponsors, and other students. After speaking to the ‘eco-experts’ they then voted for their favourite!
They were also provided with the opportunity to get involved in a range of eco-activities, such as tackling waste through VR headsets with Viridor, wildflower seed planting with Sacrewell Farm, carbon free travel to school with Sustrans, building water filters and environmental surveying with ARU Peterborough, not to mention learning about land and wildlife with Fens Falconry (which included an appearance of a friendly Kestrel).
“Local students have been doing amazing work to improve our environment, and we are delighted to celebrate their achievements at the Eco Awards 2023,” PECT’s Environmental Education Lead, Heidi Latronico-Ferris, shares. “All the sponsors and VIP guests agreed that the student project displays were outstanding, and all the schools left with an award, fresh ideas and enthusiasm to prepare for their next project!”
This year’s event also included a range of new awards celebrating schools that have been dedicated to the environment year on year receiving a special Eco Charter Sustainable School plaque to display in their schools.
The Milestone Special Award (won by Thomas Deacon Academy) and Viridor Special Award (won by Orton Wistow Primary School) included prizes of a £200 school gardening gift voucher and a free educational trip to the Energy Recovery Facility, respectively.
With thanks to our sponsors Milestone Infrastructure, and their partners Emneth Construction, Aggregate Industries, GAP Hire Solutions, The John Henry Group, PGR Construction and for the support of our hosts ARU, Peterborough.
If your school would like to get involved with our education work and attend next years awards get touch with PECT’s Education Lead at [email protected]
If you’d like to see the fantastic Eco-Displays by the students they are now officially on tour! Dates below:
- Winners are on display at Peterborough Museum from 26th May until 4th June
- All school displays will be at Railworld, Wildlife Haven from 6th June until the end of the summer holidays
- A special appearance from schools based in Ely will be at the Ely Green Fair on 5th August
Congratulations to the Eco Awards 2022 winners:
Eco Factor Award – Robert Arkenstall
Student Choice Award – Heltwate
Eco Ambassador of the Year – Panthea Chan, Year 4, St Augustine’s CofE Junior
Milestone Special Award – Thomas Deacon Academy
ARU Sustainability Award – St Augustine’s CofE Junior
Viridor Special Award – Orton Wistow Primary School
Our Natural Environment Award – Kings Ely, Soham Village College
Zero Waste & Sustainable Living Award – Northborough Primary, Robert Arkenstall, Soham Village College
Local Sustainable Food Award – Northborough Primary, Heltwate School
Eco Charter Sustainable School Award – St Augustine’s CofE Junior, The Beeches, Orton Wistow, St John Fisher Catholic School