The College achieves Gold in Green Impact Award

Merton College was awarded Gold status in the Green Impact Award 2026, out of a possible Bronze, Silver, Gold or Beyond Gold accreditation, matching the status achieved last year. 

Green Impact is an award-winning programme that helps organisations including universities, and other organisations in the public sector, such as NHS Trusts, on their sustainability journey.

Oxford University’s Green Impact Programme is specifically tailored to the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy with headline targets of net zero carbon and nature positive by 2035. The programme provides a toolkit of effective actions staff and students can take to improve sustainability across colleges and the University, measuring the practical steps that staff and students have taken to improve sustainable practice within their building, department or college. Areas assessed include energy, biodiversity, sustainable resource use, food, waste, engagement and governance.

Merton is one of seven colleges awarded Gold in 2026. Pictured above with the award are Merton’s 2026 Green Impact team, Alumni Communication Manager Julia Bell and Colleges Sustainability Officer Jilly Mowbray. The plaque was crafted by the University joiners from reclaimed wood that was previously bookshelves in the archives beneath the Examination School.