Sustainability

We recognise the need to address climate change and are dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable future. Understanding and managing the impact of our actions on people and the environment is everybody’s responsibility and forms part of our pledge as an ethical and socially responsible college. 

Alongside our role in supporting the community, we’re progressing our sustainability agenda with staff and students working together to preserve the world’s valuable resources. 

Each year we stage our own Green Week where staff and students can get involved in lots of activities and initiatives that help to raise more awareness of sustainability and how we can help to reduce our carbon footprint.

From themes such as Meat Free Monday, Car Share Tuesday and Thrifty Thursday, the week is packed full of fun sessions, and information about how to be more environmentally friendly. Activities include tree planting, upcycling, eco fashion and even growing your own compost. 

Transport 

We encourage the use of car sharing, public transport and walking to college where possible. Our cycle to work scheme includes cheaper bike hire or purchase offers, and you can loan a bicycle to travel to and from college. Showers and lockers are available for cyclists on campus.  Victoria Holcroft bike 

Recycling 

To be a more sustainable college, we make sure that: 

• 100% of general waste is diverted from landfill. 
• Takeaway items and utensils from our Catering Services are made from 100% compostable materials. 
• We encourage the use of re-fillable containers for water and hot drinks as we work towards eliminating single use plastics. 
• Recycling stations are situated across college for paper, plastic bottles and drinks cans. Each department should have a waste collection for used batteries. 
• The outdoor seating area at our Pagefield Campus is made of sustainably sourced timber and the roof tiles from recycled car tyres. 
• Recycled paper is used for many college functions. 
   

Energy and utilities 

Energy-saving technology is employed across college to ensure lights and equipment are turned off when areas aren’t in use and heating and ventilation systems are used efficiently. 

LED lighting has been installed across college buildings resulting in an 85% energy reduction, and by increasing digital resources we’re also reducing our paper consumption. 

Our improvement programme replaces defective or inefficient water taps which reduces water consumption by 95%.