DCG named finalist in national Green Gown Awards for powerful diversity and sustainability campaign

Derby College Group (DCG) is proud to announce that it has been named a finalist in the prestigious Green Gown Awards for the second consecutive year.

This year, the college has been shortlisted in the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in Sustainability category for its bold and creative campaign: “We Are Not Rubbish: A Social Mobility & Sustainability Campaign.”

Led by a group of inspirational students, the campaign used creativity, recycled materials, and community engagement to tackle two pressing issues: social mobility and sustainability. Through sculpture, performance, and storytelling, students challenged negative perceptions of individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities, delivering a powerful message that everyone has value, purpose, and potential.

The campaign included an acclaimed art exhibition at Erewash Museum, where DCG’s Pathways and Fine Art students collaborated to create stunning works from recycled materials. The centrepiece sculpture – now on public display – and an electrifying performance by the Pulp Friction Choir captivated audiences and drew media coverage, including a feature on ITV News.

“This recognition is a testament to the incredible creativity, courage, and compassion of our students,” said Samantha Smith, Curriculum Manager at Derby College Group. “They’ve not only explored how society treats people who are seen as ‘different’, they’ve turned that into a conversation about value, sustainability, and inclusion. Being shortlisted for the Green Gown Awards for a second year validates the power of student voice to change minds and hearts. We are incredibly proud.”

The project embraced circular economy principles, with students repurposing discarded materials and taking part in local litter picks to emphasise the connection between environmental responsibility and social justice.

The winners of the Green Gown Awards will be announced in November 2025 at a ceremony in Birmingham. The awards celebrate sustainability excellence in education across the UK and Ireland.