- The work of MOD teams and individuals to integrate sustainability and conservation within Defence has been recognised in today’s Sanctuary Awards ceremony
- This year’s winners include innovative projects boosting the MOD’s sustainability at the same time as supporting the UK Armed Forces’ operational readiness
- Increased sustainability throughout the MOD’s estate and operations will benefit security and support the UK’s net zero ambitions as part of the Government’s Plan for Change
The 34th Ministry of Defence (MOD) Sanctuary Awards were held today, recognising outstanding sustainability and conservation efforts across the MOD in 2024-25.
Celebrated for over 30 years, the Sanctuary Awards showcase military and civilian efforts to integrate sustainability and conservation within Defence, spanning the MOD’s land and operations at home and abroad. The awards ceremony was held in Chelsea and livestreamed to an online audience.
The newly introduced ‘Operational Capability Through Sustainability’ award was won by the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) ‘Zero’ project, which is increasing energy security and resilience at the Mount Pleasant Complex on the Falkland Islands.
Amongst the successes of the project have been the beginning of construction of four wind turbines which are predicted to save the equivalent of five million litres of diesel annually.
Mare Harbour – three 330kW turbines currently meets 5% of energy use © BFSAI
The BFSAI Zero project has seen the introduction of three 330kW tubines at Mare Harbour. MOD Crown Copyright.
Winners and runners-up were presented with their awards by Major General Andy Sturrock, Director of Strategy and Plans, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and Air Commodore William Dole, Head of Infrastructure, RAF. Senior representatives from across the MOD were in attendance to celebrate the successes.
The coveted Silver Otter trophy, for best conservation effort on the MOD estate, was awarded to Lynne Houlston, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) ranger.
The Silver Otter was presented to Lynne in recognition of her remarkable achievements in helping to manage the natural and historic environment on Castlemartin Ranges, alongside public access and military training requirements. Lynne took up the role, which is joint funded between DIO, PCNPA and Natural Resources Wales, in 2003 following Castlemartin’s designation as a Special Protection Area.
The Innovation award, for projects which exemplify innovative behaviours and enhance operational efficiency or contribute to environmental resilience within the Defence sector, went to the ‘ViTAL Living Lab’ project.
Taking soil samples for carbon capture analysis at RAF Leeming after part of Project ViTAL. MOD Crown Copyright.
The joint initiative between RAF Leeming and Newcastle University sought to understand how RAF stations generate emissions and to promote the use of greener technology to help reduce them.
Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said
The outstanding work of the environmental torchbearers showcased in this year’s Sanctuary Awards isn’t just helping to make Defence greener, but also represents a key element of our defence capabilities and our shift to warfighting readiness.
From reducing environmental risks to our military infrastructure to investing in more energy-efficient technologies, sustainability underpins the resilience of Defence. By supporting the UK’s net zero targets at the same time as strengthening our national security, this work is helping to deliver on the Government’s Plan for Change.
Andrea Nixon, Head of Capability in the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO’s) Directorate of Strategy and Plans, said
DIO is committed to helping Defence tackle the climate change and sustainability challenge head-on. This means understanding potential risks to our infrastructure, how they could impact military operations, and making sure we incorporate mitigations into our planning.
From protecting habitats across our diverse estate to reducing emissions and driving down our carbon footprint, the Sanctuary Awards and Sanctuary magazine recognise the incredible work being undertaken by MOD personnel, Defence industry suppliers, external organisations and volunteers. Well done to all of this year’s winners and runners up.
Chris Cottle, Deputy Head (Policy), MOD Climate, Energy and Environment Directorate, said
Defence needs to remain resilient and operationally effective in the context of a rapidly changing energy landscape, geopolitical shift and the realities of climate change. This means that Defence must accelerate our adaptation on our bases and operations to account for the ever-changing environment.
I was heartened to see the standard of nominations from across all of the Defence enterprise and the synergies between resilience, efficiency and operational advantage which demonstrate that Defence has both the ambition and talent needed to drive fundamental change.
The MOD continues to prioritise sustainability while strengthening the capabilities of our Armed Forces.
To browse the full list of Sanctuary Awards winners and learn more about the MOD’s sustainable development activities, you can read the latest issue of Sanctuary magazine, which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary https//www.gov.uk/government/publications/sanctuary.