Sustainable City Awards 2021: Celebrating London’s unsung sustainability heroes

The Sustainable City Awards 2021 celebrated the “power of the people” in creating sustainable ways of living for Londoners.

The Sustainable City Awards happened online for the first time in its 20-year history in May 2021, honouring Londoners who are making life in the capital more sustainable.

From a chest physician on London’s frontline looking after Londoner's lungs, to school garden initiatives, councils increasing their School Streets and cycling clubs, the 2021 awards showcased how Londoners have worked hard during the pandemic, bringing together culturally diverse and under-privileged communities to advance racial, social and environmental justice.

A cross-sector panel of 35 judges worked through over 70 nominations to decide on the awards winners and Highly Commended entries. Congratulations to all our nominees, the judges were really impressed with all the entries that were submitted, showing a huge range of work happening across London to make the capital more sustainable.

Jenette Arnold standing in front of a brick wall

“As a judge of the Sustainable City Awards, I’ve been impressed by the wide range of projects nominated, showcasing the commitment of Londoners to improving life for others during such a difficult year. I was particularly proud to present the first Samantha Heath Award for Individual Voluntary and Community Sector "Changemaker" of the year, in memory of Samantha Heath, former Chief Executive of London Sustainability Exchange, who oversaw these awards for several years."

Jennette Arnold, Trustee & Former Chair of LSx

“It’s an inspiration to hear about the hard work of Londoners to make our capital more sustainable during such a tough year. The Sustainable City Awards highlight how the city’s schools and communities in both the public and voluntary sectors are working inclusively towards a more sustainable London. As the Mayor focuses his efforts on delivering a green recovery for London, it’s fantastic to see such a diverse range of Londoners supporting his vision.”

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues

Watch the Sustainable City Awards ceremony here, or scroll down for the winners

Sustainable School of the Year 2021

Winner: Hammersmith Academy

Hammersmith Academy won this year's award for their far-reaching horticulture programme involving the whole school.

Highly Commended:

St Paul's Whitechapel CE Primary School
Chestnuts Primary School
University College School Foundation

Thank you to our judges for the Sustainable School of the Year category:

Rachel Musson, Director, ThoughtBox Education
Edd Moore, Teacher, Damers First School
Olly Offord, Policy and Project Officer, Team London
Clover Hogan, Founder & Executive Director, Force of Nature
Ajay Sharman, Regional network lead for STEM learning (London & South East).
Aardash (Student Judge), GAP Youth Ambassador

School Changemaker of the Year 2021

Winner: Dr Jess Tipton

Dr Jess Tipton won this year's award for creating sustainable schools networks of engaged students, across London and beyond.

Highly Commended:

Martin Crabbe: Glebe School
Dr Patrick Kirwan: Hammersmith Academy Trust
Alex Wrigglesworth: South Hampstead High School

Thank you to our judges

• Advait (Student Judge), Schools Eco Network member
• Maezie (Student Judge), GAP Youth Ambassador
• Amy (Student Judge), Founder, Another Way
• Dr Emily Grossman, Science Communicator
• Henry Greenwood, Managing Director, Green Schools Project
• Lorraine Larman, Managing Director, Safety Solutions and member of Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners Education committee

Trailblazing London Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation/Group of the year 2021

Winner: May Project Gardens

May Project Gardens won the 2021 award for working with marginalised urban communities in Morden to address poverty, disempowerment and access to resources and influence.

Highly Commended:

SELCE
Sustainable Merton
The Restart Project
MindFood Project

Thank you to our judges:

Katharine Langford, Programme Director - Health Effects of Air Pollution at Guy's and St Thomas' Charity
Bindi Patel, Head of Customer Experience, Vattenfall Heat UK
Elizabeth Balgobin, Interim Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Institute of Fundraising Consultancy
Syed Ahmed, Director, Energy for London
Mark Varney, Sustainability and Charity Leader, formerly of Fareshare UK

The Samantha Heath Award for Individual Voluntary and Community Sector "Changemaker" of the year 2021

Winner: Carolyn Axtell

Carolyn Axtell, Grassroots Community Organiser and founder of a flagship social enterprise that empowered hundreds of women from Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities through cycling.

Highly Commended:

Parisa Wright: Greener and Cleaner - Bromley and Beyond
Livia LaCamera: Greenwich Co-Operative Development Trust
Leyla Laksari: Living Under One Sun

Thank you to our judges

Mittal Kothari, Head of Global Strategy, envoPAP
Jennette Arnold OBE AM, Assembly Member, Greater London Authority
Elizabeth Littlewood, Head of Brand and Communications, Phillips
Nick Gardner, Head of Climate Action, National Lottery Community Fund
Christopher Hook, Head of Vehicles and Clean Air Lead, Uber
Colin Crooks, CEO, Tree Shepherd
Scott Butler, Executive Director, Material Focus

Trailblazing public sector organisation of the year 2021

Winner: Islington Council

Islington Council for their People Friendly Streets Initiative - during 2020, Islington nearly tripled its number of School Streets from 13 to 36, benefitting thousands of children, parents and carers.

Highly Commended:

Great Ormond Street Hospital
Cross River Partnership

Thank you to our judges:

Victoria Lawson, Executive Director of Environment, Culture and Customer Services at LB Hounslow &Chair London Environment Directors Network
Caroline Russell AM, Assembly Member, Greater London Authority*
Tony Leach, CEO, Parks for London
Jeremy Leach, Chair, London Living Streets
Dr Afsheen Rashid MBE, CoCEO, Repowering London
David Weatherall, Director, Future Climate

*recused from voting

London public sector "Changemaker" of the year 2021

Winner: Dr Anant Patel

Dr Anant Patel – Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, who became a vocal Clean Air Champion for tackling air pollution across his Trust and sharing information with other health professionals on air pollution.

Highly Commended:

Cllr Adam Harrison: Camden Council
Cllr Claire Holland: Lambeth Council
Mayor Phillip Glanville: Hackney Council
David Lawson: Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Trust

Thank you to our judges

Professor Sarah Bell, City of Melbourne Chair in Urban Resilience and Innovation, University of Melbourne
Simon Gilby, Principal Policy & Projects Officer, London Councils
Ruth Calderwood, Air Quality Manager, City of London Corporation
Nick Martin, Head of Sustainability and Environmental Management, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children Foundation Trust

2021 Special award for Outstanding Achievement

Winner: Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah

Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, WHO advocate for air quality and figurehead of the clean air movement. Rosamund founded the Ella Roberta Foundation in memory of her daughter Ella and has tirelessly fought for justice for her.