University of Birmingham sustainability leaders named in Environment 100 awards
Birmingham recognised for sustainability leadership in Environment 100 awards.
Zoe Hurley and Professor Kit Windows-Yule at the Environment 100 awards
The University of Birmingham is celebrating another year of success in the national Environment 100 awards with two of its sustainability leaders awarded in recognition of their outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability.
Zoe Hurley, Head of Sustainability, and Professor Kit Windows-Yule, Professor of Digital Particle Technology and Director of Innovation in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, have been recognised for their contributions to advancing sustainability through strategic leadership, research and innovation.
The Environment 100 Awards recognise 100 influential sustainability leaders from across the UK who are driving innovation, shaping policy and delivering meaningful environmental change within their organisations, sectors and communities.
Zoe and Kit have each made an exceptional contribution through their work, driving positive environmental change both within the University and beyond. Their achievements exemplify Birmingham's ambition to lead in sustainability research, education and practice.
Zoe Hurley has played a pivotal role in transforming sustainability at the University of Birmingham, helping to embed environmental responsibility across education, research and operations.
She has led the development of the University's first Biodiversity Plan and secured senior endorsement for sector-leading initiatives including Nature Positive and the Climate Action Network for International Educators. Zoe also championed the Green Lab Accreditation Scheme, helping researchers to their environmental impact while continuing to deliver world-leading research.
Zoe has led major engagement and communications initiatives, including the launch of the University's sustainability webpages and its first Sustainability in Focus report. She also refreshed internal programmes such as Green Impact and Green Week.
Through her collaborative approach, Zoe has helped position sustainability as a core institutional priority, empowering colleagues and students across the University to contribute to meaningful change.
Zoe Hurley said: "Being recognised in the Environment 100 Awards is a huge honour. Sustainability is a collective effort, and this recognition reflects the dedication of colleagues, students and partners across the University of Birmingham who are helping to drive positive change.
"Together, we're embedding sustainability into everything we do, aiming to create lasting impact for our communities and the environment."
The winning entry of Green Week 2026’s Nature Photography Competition, titled 'Spotted at Winterbourne'.
Professor Kit Windows-Yule's research focuses on the intersection of sustainability, circular economy principles and artificial intelligence.
As founder of EvoPhase, Director of Innovation for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Deputy Director (Innovation) of the Birmingham Plastics Network, Kit is helping to develop new approaches to sustainable manufacturing and advanced recycling.
Kit’s research has secured support from organisations including UK Research and Innovation, Innovate UK, the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering. He currently leads projects exploring the development of novel bio-derived, biodegradable and recyclable plastics, while also working with industry partners to improve the resource and energy efficiency of manufacturing processes.
His work with EvoPhase on 'Birmingham Blade', the world's first AI designed and geographically optimised urban wind turbine has recently been shortlisted for Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards. The partnership with Birmingham-based SME KwikFab Ltd will develop a new generation of urban wind turbines.
Alongside his research, Kit is committed to public engagement, leading award-winning outreach initiatives that encourage communities and young people to engage with sustainability and environmental challenges.
Professor Kit Windows-Yule said: "Addressing environmental challenges requires collaboration between researchers, industry, policymakers and communities, and this recognition reflects the impact that can be achieved when people work together.
"I'm proud to contribute to research and innovation that supports more sustainable industries, while also championing outreach initiatives that engage and inspire communities to play an active role in creating a more sustainable future."
The EvoPhase team with the Birmingham Blade - From L-R: Leonard Nicusan, Kit Windows-Yule, Dominik Werner and Jack Sykes
The latest recognition continues a strong track record for the University. Professor Julia Myatt was shortlisted in 2025, while Professor David Hannah received recognition in 2024, highlighting Birmingham's growing influence in shaping a more sustainable future.
Professor David Hannah, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability), said: "These awards are a tremendous recognition of the expertise, leadership and commitment to sustainability that exists across the University of Birmingham.
"Zoe and Kit have each made an exceptional contribution through their work, driving positive environmental change both within the University and beyond. Their achievements exemplify Birmingham's ambition to lead in sustainability research, education and practice."
The recognition demonstrates the University of Birmingham's growing reputation in the sector as a leader in sustainability.
Last year, the University published its first Sustainability in Focus report, showcasing progress against its sustainability ambitions and highlighting the impact of projects across research, education and operations.
Find out more about our approach to sustainability at the University of Birmingham.
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About the University of Birmingham
- The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, educators and more than 40,000 students from over 150 countries.
- England’s first civic university, the University of Birmingham is proud to be rooted in of one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the country. A member of the Russell Group and a founding member of the Universitas 21 global network of research universities, the University of Birmingham has been changing the way the world works for more than a century.