Nelson & Colne College Group (NCCG), which has a national reputation for educational success and is seen as a beacon of excellence for teaching and learning across the country, are now also leading the way in sustainability and net zero. The College is set to become one of the first further education colleges in the country to commit to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, thanks to an ambitious sustainability initiative.
The initiative is a direct response to the growing environmental concerns of the college’s 13,000-strong student body and will reduce the College’s burning of fossil fuels by more than 90%.
The college partnered with the HI Group, a leading force in driving innovation and sustainable transformation to decarbonise organisations, to identify the most effective and viable green energy solution over a two-year period of extensive analysis and meticulous planning. These efforts have culminated in a detailed emissions reduction strategy and a three-step energy retrofit plan:
Lisa O’Loughlin, Principal of NCCG, said: “This project represents a major milestone in our sustainability journey. By striving to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, we are setting a strong example for our students and the community. We are not just educating about sustainability; we are living it.”
Russell Burton, Director and Founder at HI Group, added: “We are immensely proud to have partnered with Nelson & Colne College Group in transforming their extensive campus into a model of sustainability. For the HI Group team, it’s a privilege to deliver a solution that will benefit not only the institution but also the wider community for generations to come.”
