Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Green Living Awards (GLA) once again shone the spotlight on the inspiring sustainability efforts of the University’s student environmental champions. Now in its eighth year, this event has celebrated the innovation, dedication, and environmental leadership of students who are turning everyday actions into meaningful change.

Prof Nicola Smit, SU’s Acting Chief Operating Officer, reminded us in her keynote address that “environmental sustainability is no longer an option—it is our responsibility.” She commended students for proving that small acts, when multiplied, can transform the University’s campuses and the bigger world around us.

“Every litre of water saved, every light switched off, and every piece of waste repurposed is part of something much bigger,” she said. “Through your projects, innovation and determination, you are showing us that protecting our planet begins right here, with each of us.”

Prof Smit highlighted the global climate crisis, noting that around the world, glaciers are shrinking, the Arctic Sea ice is decreasing, and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are at their highest in millions of years—driven by fossil fuel use, deforestation, and industrialisation. She referenced insights shared during a recent presentation at the Faculty of Law, which stated that “a one-degree Celsius increase in global temperature raises the headcount poverty rate by 2.1%—particularly in agriculture-dependent regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa.”

“This shows that climate change is not only an environmental issue,” Prof Smit said, “but a profound human challenge—one that affects livelihoods, food security, and social justice.”

Prof Smit also reflected on the urgent global context of climate change and Stellenbosch University’s leadership in sustainability, highlighting the recent certification of the STIAS Extension as South Africa’s first Net Zero Carbon university building, which underscores SU’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050.

Celebrating Sustainable Living

The GLA recognises residences, commuter student communities (CSCs), and Listen, Live and Learn (LLL) houses for outstanding environmental initiatives. The awards encourage a campus-wide culture of sustainability through measurable reductions in electricity, water, and waste use, alongside education and awareness projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s (AU) Goals.

This year, guests reflected personally on their environmental impact by pledging their commitment on coloured cards, which they hung on a tree in the foyer — a symbolic gesture with the prompt: “What legacy will you leaf?”

The Trashion Show

The first winners of the evening were the participants in SU’s Trashion Show, held on 25 September in the Neelsie, where students transformed waste materials into striking fashion statements. Outfits were judged on creativity, construction, and environmental message.

The winners were:

1st place: Heemstede – Outfit by Jaylynn van Aswegen

2nd place: Aurora – Outfit by Chantal Smit

3rd place: Equité – Outfit by Angela Rantoa

Commuter Student Communities (CSC) Awards

CSC projects were evaluated based on continuity, participation, environmental impact, communication, knowledge sharing, and alignment with the SDGs.

Winners:

First place, with a prize of R4,500, was awarded to Equité – HC member Angela Rantoa for their consistent engagement and impactful initiatives.

2nd place (R2 500): Venustia – HC member Dané Smit, for promoting thrifting and creative reuse.

3rd place (R1 000): Aurora – HC Tiervlei, for their energetic new leadership and strong environmental drive.

Residence Education and Awareness Awards

Residences were recognised for their dedication to sustainability education and action within their communities.

Top Residences:

1st place, with a winning amount of R5 500, was awarded to Dagbreek for integrating sustainability into daily residential life. Henk Heymans received the award on the residence’s behalf.

2nd place (R3 500): Goldfields – Alulutho Mapipa received the award for inspiring leadership.

3rd place (R1 500): Heemstede’s Ann-ne Venter received the award for motivating students to reduce their carbon footprint.

4th: Irene – Phoenix Bailey accepted the award for being a consistent top-five performer.

5th: Meerhoff –Hanje Strobos, for strong supporting evidence and participation.

6th: Hippokrates –Daniel Cilliers, whose exemplary reporting will serve as a model for future submissions.

Utility Reduction Award

Recognising tangible impact, this year’s Utility Reduction Award focused on energy and waste reduction, which are key contributors to SU’s carbon footprint. The R10 000 prize went to Minerva Residence, which is the only residence to show clear reductions in both electricity use and waste production.

A Symbol of Progress: SU’s Net Zero Milestone

The evening also marked the official Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) Net Zero Carbon certification of the STIAS Extension.

Prof Edward Kirumira, Director at STIAS, and Japie Engelbrecht, Director: FM Planning and Development, received the certificate from Ms Dannika Taylor, representing the GBCSA, who assisted the project management team in ensuring this certification.

A Green Future Ahead

One message resonated clearly at this event: sustainability is not the task of a few but a shared responsibility at SU. The 2025 Green Living Awards reminded everyone that through awareness, innovation, and collective action, Stellenbosch University’s student community continues to lead the way — proving that a greener future begins today.

For enquiries
Petro Mostert
[email protected]
0823346193

About the Green Living Award

The Stellenbosch University (SU) Green Living Award recognises and rewards student communities that champion sustainable living and environmental responsibility. The initiative encourages residences, commuter student communities, and LLL houses to adopt practical measures that reduce water, energy, and waste consumption while promoting biodiversity and environmental awareness.

Introduced eight years ago, the award aims to inspire long-term behavioural change. It aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union’s Goals, and SU’s Environmental Sustainability Plan. Participants are assessed by a panel of SU staff and EcoMaties representatives, based on the impact and creativity of their sustainability projects, as well as measurable reductions in utility use.

Winning communities receive gold, silver, or bronze status, along with cash prizes to support further sustainability initiatives. Typical projects include water- and energy-saving drives, recycling programmes, biodiversity projects, and eco-awareness campaigns.

The Green Living Award fosters a culture of environmental responsibility, equipping students with real-world sustainability skills, leadership experience, and a mindset that supports SU’s long-term vision of achieving net-zero carbon facilities on its campuses by 2050.