Kathryn Downton wins Sustainability Hero Award and the Environmental Sustainability Award

Katy Downton (L) and Prof Max Lu

The University of Surrey’s first Sustainability Awards, organised by the Sustainability Team took place on Thursday 6 June to recognise individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond to embed sustainable practices at the University and within the community.

Kathryn Downton, GSA Senior Lecturer in Theatre Production won the Sustainability Hero Award at the University's inaugural Sustainability Awards, for their achievements as a Sustainability Champion for GSA.

Kathryn also recently won the ABTT: Association of British Theatre Technicians Environmental Sustainability Award, at the 2024 ABTT awards ceremony.

ABTT Award for Environmental Sustainability Winner, Kathryn Downton (right) and new ABTT CEO Liz Sillett (left) at The ABTT Awards event.
ABTT Award for Environmental Sustainability Winner, Kathryn Downton (right) and new ABTT CEO Liz Sillett (left) at The ABTT Awards event.

Judges’ commented: “Kathryn has done a gigantic amount of work in this field, they live, breathe and embody their lifelong and cultural commitment to sustainability. They have been pivotal in the development of the Green Captain scheme, which encourages and gives a platform to the next generation on working sustainably in our industry. Their work was acknowledged when they were awarded a fellowship of the University of Surrey's Institute for Sustainability. In the words of one of her nominators, their work has made ‘a clear and measurable impact on the industry'. To quote another of her nominators ‘her heart and her commitment and passion exudes in all the work she does on environmental sustainability’.”

Congratulations Katy!