NWS praised for sustainability efforts in UK nuclear sector awards
Determination to put sustainability at the centre of NWS’s culture has earned acknowledgement on the national stage.
A Special Recognition Award was presented to Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) for their transformative approach to sustainability – integrating environmental responsibility, employee engagement and community impact, at the UK Nuclear Skills Awards 2025 in Manchester.
The UK Nuclear Skills Awards are organised by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN) and Cogent Skills. The awards highlight the excellence that exists within the nuclear sector and all categories were judged by an independent panel of industry representatives.
Images showcasing our sustainability work across NWS
The award was presented by NSAN’s Managing Director, Tricia Austin and received by Rob Ward, Sustainability Lead, on behalf of NWS.
Rob spoke of his pride at the work of the organisation’s sustainability champions, who he said had made a major impact within the business in their inaugural year.
“This is well deserved recognition for all of our sustainability champions, who are delivering on NWS’s commitment to create a positive legacy for people and the planet by integrating sustainability into the way we work.
“I am particularly grateful to Beth Haynes who launched the sustainability champions network and has now passed the baton to Sustainability apprentice Molly Hodgson.”
This network, currently comprising around 40 volunteers, gives employees from across NWS the opportunity to learn and engage, to identify improvements and drive change in their roles, teams or across the organisation.
The champions have driven initiatives including the development of a carbon footprint tool for events, sustainable travel and leadership on environmental volunteering efforts. Outcomes were measurable and included major cost savings on sustainable travel practices.
Other members of NWS were also centre stage at the awards with both Dr Ruth Davey, Senior Environmental Advisor, a finalist in the Nuclear Ambassador Category for her outstanding commitment to STEM initiatives and NWS Secondee Kiera Gardner was a finalist in the Business Graduate of the Year category, recognising their leadership of sustainability across NDA group and beyond.
NRS, NTS and Sellafield were also successful at the awards.
NWS launched its sustainability strategy in December 2024, setting out five sustainability goals, aligned to the organisation’s vision, mission and values.