Climate Action Plan

Climate Action Plan

Building a Sustainable Future Together

heartofyorkshire.ac.uk

Contents Introduction. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3 Decarbonisation �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4 Biodiversity �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5 Adaptation & Resilience ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 Green Skills, Careers & Climate Education ������������������������������������� 7 Partnership & Engagement ������������������������������������������������������������������������9 In conclusion �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 Action Plan ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 10

Climate Action Plan | Building a Sustainable Future Together

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Introduction

As a college group, we recognise our responsibility to take bold, meaningful action on climate change. Our commitment to sustainability is rooted in our vision to lead by example - embedding climate action into every aspect of college life, from our campuses and operations to our curriculum and community engagement.

This Climate Action Plan outlines our priorities across four key areas: 1. Decarbonisation of our Estate 2. Biodiversity 3. Climate Adaptation and Resilience 4. Green Skills, Careers and Curriculum These commitments reflect our ambition to embed sustainability across all we do -from our estates to our classrooms, our careers programmes to our student experiences. By working together, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint, prepare students for the green economy, and build healthier, more resilient communities.

In order to realise these commitments, we must take a Group-wide approach with clear direction and leadership to embed sustainability into all levels of decision-making and operations. This has included: +

Appointing a Sustainability Lead and other roles to support our sustainability journey whilst creating avenues of communication across the Group to drive initial change.

+

Embody climate action within our strategic plan and ensuring regular reporting to governors and stakeholders.

+

Empowering students through sustainability initiatives and climate leadership activity.

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01.

Decarbonisation

Our Aim: To achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions and promote sustainable operations.

In order to contribute to the UK’s net zero targets and reduce our environmental impact, we will take action to decarbonise our buildings, operations, and procurement. This will include both technical measures and engagement activities to reduce energy use, emissions, and waste.

What we’re doing: +

Renewable Energy: With various partners, we are exploring our options for greener energy.

+

LED Projects: We have completed installations at Wakefield College and are sourcing funding to support expansion to our other colleges.

+

Gaining insight: Through partnership, we are developing our understanding of the science behind emissions accounting and the impact on our organisation.

+

Carbon Accounting: We have implemented activity to capture and report our Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions and are exploring further work required.

+

Waste Reduction: We are adopting a waste contract that supports our approach; engaging with a waste hierarchy of reduce, reuse, recycle; and investigating further ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) certification and conscious reduction of single-use plastics.

+

Sustainable Catering: We are moving towards sustainable food sourcing and waste-conscious services.

+

Digital Sustainability: We are engaging with JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) to assess the carbon impact of digital practices and reduce unnecessary digital waste.

Our Commitments: We are committed to +

Implementing carbon reduction opportunities across all scopes.

+

Replacing all fossil fuel heating and ventilation systems with low-carbon alternatives.

+

Enhancing data collection on energy, travel, and procurement to set decarbonisation targets.

+

Integrating environmental standards into our procurement processes.

+

Pursuing opportunities such as government grants and decarbonisation schemes to fund energy-efficient upgrades, renewable technologies, and infrastructure improvements.

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02.

Biodiversity

Our Aim: To enhance and protect biodiversity across all campuses.

We are committed to enhancing biodiversity across all college campuses, creating richer ecosystems, increasing green space, and supporting wildlife.

This supports both climate resilience and nature recovery.

What we’re doing: +

Biodiversity Mapping & Ecosurveys: We are identifying current habitats and levels of biodiversity and exploring further wildlife features like birdboxes and bug hotels.

+

Hedgehog-Friendly Campus: We are working to protect and increase local wildlife.

+

Green Week Activities: We have biodiversity integrated into our sustainability week initiatives to engage with students and local partners.

+

Part of Forest Carbon Scheme: we plant trees to mitigate CO2 emissions from production, storage and distribution of paper.

+

Small Grants: We secure grants to supporting environmental enhancement projects across campuses.

Our Commitments: We are committed to +

Investing in ecological enhancement and biodiversity planning.

+

Collaboration with groups and businesses on conservation projects.

+

Ensuring biodiversity is a key consideration in all estate developments.

+

Development of a group Biodiversity Policy

+

Widening biodiversity-focused events and activities within our sustainability calendar to promote awareness, action, and engagement

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03.

Adaptation & Resilience

Our Aim: To ensure our Group infrastructure and operations are prepared for climate impacts.

We will assess and manage the risks posed by climate change to our campuses, operations, and communities. Our aim is to ensure we are prepared for extreme weather events and build long-term climate resilience, alongside supporting student and staff wellbeing.

What we’re doing: +

Resilient Planning: We are integrating sustainability into estate planning, operations, and governance cycles.

+

Whole College Culture: We are embedding sustainability into planning, policy development, and staff and student life.

+

Infrastructure Readiness: We are assessing climate risks to facilities and future-proofing energy systems.

+

Digital Sustainability: -

We are meeting 99% of JISC’s sustainability responsibilities.

-

We are strengthening cyber resilience, including live cyber-attack simulations.

-

We are recycling old IT equipment and donating devices to a digital poverty programme, with opportunities for students to support refurbishment.

-

We are reducing printing through multifunctional devices, centralised paper supply, and digital-first teaching resources.

-

We are improving IT efficiency by transitioning to laptops with extended battery life and USB-C charging, adopting cloud storage, introducing universal adapters, and phasing in LCD screens with automated power management.

Our Commitments: We are committed to + + + + +

Future-proofing the Group’s estate against climate risks.

Promoting a culture of responsible practice and sustainability awareness.

Aligning operational resilience with long-term sustainability targets.

Implementing a wider approach on sustainable procurement.

Enhancing digital sustainability through low-carbon IT systems, efficient energy use, and digital inclusion.

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04.

Green Skills, Careers & Climate Education

Our Aim: To equip students and staff with the knowledge and skills for a sustainable future.

We are dedicated to preparing learners for the green economy by embedding sustainability, green careers advice, and climate education throughout the student journey, and supporting our staff to deliver this confidently and consistently. Our approach to development and climate education is designed to ensure that sustainability is embedded across our college community – in staff professional development, curriculum design, and student engagement.

We are committed to equipping both staff and students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to drive meaningful climate action.

What we’re doing: +

Green Careers Development: We are collaborating with partners and are engaging with networks and educational organisations relating to green skills and careers.

+

SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Mapping: We have identified areas within the curriculum which support the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Sustainable Development Goals.

+

Curriculum Development: We have piloted and completed the Environmental Leaders Programme with students from the E&E (Employability & Enterprise) programme.

+

National Engagement: We have and will continue to ensure strong participation in Planet Earth Games as a platform to promote change.

+

Focus on Sustainability as a Skill: Within our new ‘My XP’ personal development model, we have identified sustainability as an area for skills development to focus wider student activity in this space.

+

Climate Leaders Academy: We have launched the student programme ‘Unloc’, to develop and support climate leaders and sustainability ambassadors.

+

Curriculum Integration: We have developed the curriculum to embed sustainability within technical subjects and activities.

+

STEM & Vocational Skills: We have targeted specific workshops and pathways in Construction and Engineering.

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Wider opportunities for Training and CPD include: -

Carbon Literacy Workshops

-

Multiple pathways and resources through the Supply Chain Sustainability School

-

Digital modules via JISC

-

Facilities and estates CPD training

-

Carbon accounting workshops

-

Sustainability Support for FE – sharing practice workshops

-

Education for Sustainable Development offer

-

Careers Advisors development workshops to guide students into green careers, connect them with real-world learning and employer opportunities, and support inclusive access to STEM and sustainability pathways.

Our Commitments: We are committed to +

Expanding sustainability training for all staff and students, including induction for new staff, to build awareness and capability across the Group.

+

Embedding sustainability and green skills across the curriculum and co-curricular activities to ensure students gain the knowledge and experience needed for green careers.

+

Providing hands-on, practical learning experiences through real-world sustainability projects, green technologies, and energy-efficient practices.

+

Developing employer-informed curriculum and structured green career pathways, aligning learning with current and emerging industry skills needs.

+

Preparing students for the green workforce by offering opportunities that reflect the skills employers require and the challenges of net-zero sectors.

+

Supporting inclusion and diversity in STEM and green pathways, ensuring all students have equitable access to opportunities.

+

Promoting awareness of green careers and showcase practical examples of sustainability in action to inspire student engagement and ambition.

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Partnership & Engagement

Collaboration and advocacy are central to our climate action journey. We are strengthening our impact by working with specialist partners, sharing best practice, and ensuring that student and staff voices are heard locally, regionally, and nationally.

Our Strategy Includes:

In conclusion

+

Collaborative Networks: Actively engaging with partners including Trident Utilities, SureServe, Let’s Go Zero, Unloc, JISC, SS4FE (Sustainability Support for Further Education, RECFA (The Renewable Energy Coalition for Academia), Green Changemakers, local authorities, and sector-wide networks to accelerate progress.

+

Staff Leadership: Launching the Green Changemakers programme to empower educators and staff to lead sustainability and green skills initiatives, embedding environmental and social responsibility across curriculum and practice.

+

Shared Learning & Advocacy: Presenting our journey at conferences and sector events, contributing to national conversations on sustainability in education.

+

Student Voice: Embedding student leadership through focus groups, projects, and ambassador programmes to ensure young people are central to change.

+

National Initiatives: Participating in initiatives such as Sustainability Week, Planet Earth Games and an Environmental Leaders pilot, creating opportunities for students and staff to showcase their commitment to sustainability.

+

Collaborative Projects: Co-designing and delivering projects with external organisations to enhance our impact and extend opportunities for our communities.

We are proud of the progress made, but we know there’s more to do. This Climate Action Plan marks a step forward - clarifying our commitments and celebrating the journey already underway. Together, we will lead with purpose, empower our communities, and secure a sustainable future.

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Action Plan DECARBONISATION Goal

Actions

Timescale

Impact

Lead(s)

Carbon Baseline

Measure Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions across the Group

By December 2025

Establishes baseline for reduction plans utilising Trident contract.

Director of Estates

Engineer led Energy Efficiency Audit

by College.

To identify energy efficiency actions we can implement to further reduce emissions.

By December 2025

Reduces current emissions levels.

Director of Estates

Carbon Reduction detailed plan based on audit findings.

Develop a pathway to reduce emissions.

By July 2026

Commits to sciencebased targets, improving energy efficiency activity.

Executive Director of Finance and Resources, Director of Estates

Increase visibility on current waste practice.

Enhance communications on waste levels and waste options for all stakeholders

July 2026

Increase visibility on sustainable practices.

Director of Estates, SE Sustainability Lead

Food sourcing awareness

Promote sustainable and local food sourcing through catering services and communications.

July 2026

Improves awareness of climate friendly practice and diets

Director of Estates

Sustainable Procurement

Review procurement policies to support sustainable procurement on purchased goods, services and capital goods

By September 2026

Influences supply chain emissions and scope 3 emission levels.

Executive Director of Finance and Resources

Waste reduction

Conduct a waste audit – identify further reduction of waste opportunities and reduction/recycling options.

December 2026

Reduced waste in scope 3 accounting.

Director of Estates

Water resource efficiency

Introduce water saving initiatives to support conservation of water and reduced use.

December 2026

Lower water consumption and resource footprint.

Director of Estates, Sustainability Officer

Recycling visibility

Introduce clear signage and ‘what happens next’ waste information.

December 2026

Improves waste practices and recycling activity.

Director of Estates, Internal Comms Manager

Smart Monitoring

Roll out/utilise smart meters and building energy management systems.

By March 2027

Enables better tracking and response.

Sustainability Officer

Low Carbon Travel

Green travel review of schemes, business travel and infrastructure to support Green travel policy development.

By July 2027

Reduces commuting emissions and lowers scope 3 emissions.

Director of Estates, Director of People

Energy Efficiency Upgrades & Renewables

Explore efficiency upgrades and new technologies for heating, lighting, and energy generation with possibility to install further energy efficient methods, e.g.

LED lighting, solar, insulation, and efficient HVAC across campuses.

Rolling to 2028

Lowers energy demand and cost.

Executive Director of Finance and Resources

Identify funding options to support energy efficiency and technologies.

Ongoing

Secure funding opportunities

Climate Action Plan | Building a Sustainable Future Together

Executive Director of Student Experience

Reduce energy emissions.

Executive Director of Finance and Resources, Executive Director of Student Experience, Director of Estates

10

BIODIVERSITY Goal

Actions

Timescale

Impact

Lead(s)

Pesticide-Free Campuses

Eliminate the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides.

January 2026

Protects soil health and insect populations.

Director of Estates

Promote local active participation in conservation activity.

Support national initiative ‘Big Bird Watch’ and encourage participation.

January 2026

Increases awareness of local wildlife and encourages staff and students to care for nature.

SE Sustainability Lead

Nature-based learning in My XP activities

Increase nature-based learning through provision of activities in Planet Earth Games

April 2026

Higher levels of student engagement and education to enhance biodiversity awareness.

SE Sustainability Lead

Student led biodiversity projects to increase engagement and support habitats

Identified student groups involved in developing resources, i.e., construction students building planters/habitats/birdboxes; art & design producing wildlife related signage.

July 2026

Deepen student involvement and increases habitats.

SE Sustainability Lead, Curriculum Leads

Wildlife Feeding & Support

Install bird feeders, animal shelters, and use suitable food waste (e.g. fruit) for wildlife feeding.

July 2026

Supports local wildlife and reduces waste

SE Sustainability Lead, Director of Estates

Increase focus and visibility of biodiversity commitment

Create a biodiversity map identifying habitats (inc. bug hotels, hedgehog houses, feeding tables, birdboxes), wildflower areas and gardens.

July 2026

Increase focus and visibility of biodiversity commitment

SE Sustainability Lead, Director of Estates

Biodiversity Baseline Audit

Conduct surveys across all campuses to assess species, habitats, and green space.

July 2026

Informs future interventions and tracks progress.

SE Sustainability Lead, Director of Estates

Monitoring and Reporting

Produce annual biodiversity reports to track change.

October 2026

Ensures accountability and transparency.

Director of Estates

Engagement with Education Nature Park

To enhance climate education, biodiversity awareness, and connection with nature through engagement with Education Nature Park.

December 2026

Enhancement of climate literacy and increase of biodiversity activity within activities.

SE Sustainability Lead

Nature Walks & Wellbeing Trails

Introduce nature and wellbeing walks in the activities offer.

May 2026

Promote nature connection and wellbeing.

Head of Student Experience

Biodiversity Education

Integrate biodiversity content into at least 5 curriculum areas.

By July 2027

Builds ecological understanding and sustainability values.

Director of Curriculum

Student Monitoring Tools

Develop student-friendly fact sheets and biodiversity recording tools.

July 2027

Improves awareness and engagement and informs planning

SE Sustainability Lead, Internal Comms Manager

Create an outdoor learning space at one college to promote environmental awareness and wellbeing.

Create a Forest School area with resources for outdoor learning, nature-based activities, and biodiversity.

July 2027

Enhances student connection with nature, supports wellbeing, and builds practical skills in sustainability and environmental care.

Director of Estates, Director of Curriculum

Green Wellbeing Spaces

Create at least one biodiversityrich wellbeing area per campus.

By July 2028

Enhances wellbeing and access to nature.

Director of Estates

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BIODIVERSITY Goal

Actions

Timescale

Impact

Lead(s)

Additional Native Planting Initiative

Add further planting of trees and native plants to enhance spaces and increase biodiversity.

Phased over 3 years

Promotes local biodiversity and resilience.

Director of Estates

Repurposing waste to support biodiversity.

Identify curriculum activity to repurpose waste for activity such as habitat heaps, e.g. animal hair, wood off cuts, food waste.

Ongoing

Reduces waste and supports local wildlife by creating new habitats and resources for biodiversity.

Director of Curriculum

ADAPTATION & RESILIENCE: Goal

Actions

Timescale

Impact

Lead(s)

Comply with JISC digital sustainability guidance

Share JISC compliance summary with stakeholders through Footprint & continue engagement with JISC guidance and support services.

December 2025

Demonstrates alignment with national digital sustainability standards and confidence in secure and sustainable IT infrastructure.

Director of IT

Reduce digital waste and support digital inclusion

Computer donations to digital poverty programme and explore opportunities for student involvement in refurbishment/preparation.

December 2025

Supports digital inclusion and reduces e-waste. Demonstrates social responsibility through reuse/recycling.

Director of IT

Strengthen sustainability leadership

Establish a clear infrastructure of lead and other sustainability roles for both staff and students.

February 2026

Results in greater visibility and ownership of sustainability leadership with clear governance structure for change-making.

Executive Director of Student Experience

Embed sustainability in digital teaching and learning

Review and embed sustainability within I-Innovate training and continue to promote digital-first approaches to teaching materials.

March 2026

Increases capacity to teach sustainably using digital tools. More digital resources, fewer paper-based materials.

Director of Quality

Strengthen staff advocacy

Implement Green Changemakers programme – staff will be developed to lead sustainability and green initiatives.

April 2026

Builds staff confidence and leadership in sustainability, creating a culture of environmental and social responsibility across the college.

Executive Director of Student Experience, SE Sustainability Lead

Positive Sustainability Storytelling

Share inspiring stories regularly through Footprint, screens, comms, social media.

June 2026

Boost morale, engagements and knowledge.

Internal Comms Manager

Strengthen student leadership

Deliver a climate leadership programme to student ambassadors.

July 2026

Enhances confidence in driving sustainability initiatives within the college and community and drives a culture which will exist far beyond the programme.

SE Sustainability Lead, Head of Student Experience

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ADAPTATION & RESILIENCE: Goal

Actions

Timescale

Climate and Sustainability Club

Develop a hub of student involvement to support action on climate related activity.

July 2026

Improves student familiarity and advocacy for change.

SE Sustainability Lead, Head of Student Experience

Student Led campaigns on reducing litter and vaping reduction

Support and endorse campaigns from students – providing access and resource to support peer-led behaviour change.

July 2026

Reduces waste and improves campus environment.

Head of Student Experience

Student Incentives

Build and encourage participation in recognising of sustainability action i.e., pledgeball, skills badges (My XP)

September 2026

Behaviour change through recognition.

SE Sustainability Lead, Local College Directors

Mental Health & Climate Anxiety

Introduce wellbeing support tailored to climate-related stress based on student/staff voice.

September 2026

Promotes emotional resilience in learners and staff.

Director of People, Local College Directors

Community Partnerships for Nature

Partner with local parks, wildlife groups, and community initiatives.

November 2026

Strengthens local ecosystems and community links.

SE Sustainability Lead

Improve energy efficiency of IT equipment

Continue laptop transition programme. Expand cloud storage adoption. Phase out remaining plasma/ inefficient devices. Explore new low-carbon/AI-integrated devices.

December 2026

Lowers IT energy demand and carbon emissions. Provides access to modern, efficient technology and reduced e-waste and energy use.

Director of IT

Enhance digital sustainability through low-carbon IT and efficient systems

Regularly review IT infrastructure for energy efficiency and carbon impact.

March 2027

Leads to long-term alignment of digital operations with net zero targets. Greater awareness of digital carbon footprints.

Executive Director of Finance Resources, Director of IT

Develop staff and student awareness of responsible digital practices.

Impact

Lead(s)

The Group demonstrates sector leadership in digital sustainability.

Climate Risk Assessment

Complete a full climate risk and vulnerability assessment for all sites.

July 2027

Identifies key adaptation priorities.

Executive Team

Curriculum Integration

Integrate resilience topics into pastoral curriculum.

By July 2027

Connects learning to lived experience.

SE Sustainability Lead

Climate Risk Plan

Develop site-specific plans to manage climate risks.

December 2027

Improves emergency planning and safety.

Executive Director of Finance and Resources, Executive Director of Student Experience

Strengthen Sustainability Visibility

Engage at a national level through conferences, speaking and our publications.

Ongoing

Increases opportunities for funding and partnerships and College seen as leading by example.

Executive Director of Student Experience

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GREEN SKILLS, CAREERS & CLIMATE EDUCATION: Goal

Actions

Timescale

Impact

Improve sustainability resources and communication

Create SharePoint hub with Supply Chain School content, further reading, profiles, calendar, initiatives

Nov 2025: Hub and calendar launched

Facilitates easier access to resources and guidance with more opportunities to engage. Stronger sustainability culture and communication

L&D Manager

Green Careers Development

Engage all careers advisors in suitable green careers development.

December 2025

Staff knowledge is more current and able to support student careers guidance.

SE Sustainability Lead

Green Careers Guidance

Provide all students with access to green careers advice and employer encounters.

March 2026

Increases career readiness and aspiration.

SE Sustainability Lead

Engage both staff and students in sustainability focused activities.

Participate fully in planet earth games devising activities supportive of our areas of focus.

May 2026

Builds sustainability awareness, transferable skills, and collaboration, enhancing the Group’s sustainability profile.

Executive Director of Student Experience SE Sustainability Lead

Inclusive opportunity to develop green skills and provide visibility on sustainability in the curriculum

Introduce a student inter- college and regional competition with a sustainability brief endorsed

by Worldskills.

May 2026

Increases student engagement with sustainability, develops green skills, and highlights the importance of sustainability in learning.

Executive Director of Student Experience, SE Sustainability Lead

Sustainability Integration in curriculum

Share progress by curriculum area through performance review process.

July 2026

Aligns curriculum focus with aims of the plan.

Director of Curriculum Heads of Curriculum

Develop staff sustainability expertise

All staff to complete the Heart of Yorkshire Supply Chain School pathway.

July 2026

Increases awareness and embeds CPD commitment through completion of essential training.

L&D Manager

Increase green skills and careers education

Develop and deliver sustainabilityfocused learning pathways and modules across key technical subjects (Construction, Motor Vehicle, Engineering).

July 2026

Completion of learning pathways through Supply Chain Sustainability School for identified students.

L&D Manager, SE Sustainability Lead

Staff CPD

Professional development menu provided on green skills, careers, and climate education and promoted through a new sharepoint site. Integrate sustainability into CPD offers (e.g., Wellbeing Wednesdays).

July 2026

Builds staff confidence and curriculum quality.

Director of People, L&D Manager

Reflect sustainability in curriculum evaluation

Include reflections on sustainability in curriculum area reviews.

July 2026

Promotes continuous improvement in embedding sustainability; ensures accountability and strategic oversight across all curriculum areas.

Director of Quality

Climate Action Plan | Building a Sustainable Future Together

Lead(s)

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GREEN SKILLS, CAREERS & CLIMATE EDUCATION: Goal

Actions

Timescale

Impact

Enhance capacity for hydrogen energy training

Purchase training rigs (using Skills Innovation Fund monies) and equipment to support hydrogen energy programmes and develop Decarbonisation Laboratory at Selby College.

Sep 2026

Students gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies; supports workforce readiness for hydrogen sector.

Executive Director of External Partnerships, Head of Partnerships

Monitor and support sustainability in teaching

Use teaching and learning coaches to track and highlight sustainability-focused activities; record links on Obs Live.

December 2026

Ensures sustainability is consistently integrated across courses; supports staff in embedding sustainability into teaching.

Director of Quality

Support new mass transit development

Launch a Tramline Skills Bootcamp to recruit 10 learners in 25/26 and grow participation by 10% year-on-year for 3 years

December 2026

Builds workforce capacity for low-carbon transport infrastructure; meets emerging regional skills needs.

Executive Director of External Partnerships, Head of Partnerships

Improve visibility on sustainability progress and action

Promote events, and achievements via college news, Footprint and internal comms.

Ongoing 2025/26: Regular communications and promotion

Increases awareness and engagement with sustainability, strengthening a whole-Group culture of climate action.

Executive Director of Student Experience, Internal Comms Manager, SE Sustainability Lead

Increase student understanding of sustainability and climate action

Determine baseline and subsequently a measurable improvement in positive responses to the mid-year student survey question: “The college has helped me to understand more about sustainability and climate action”

July 2026/ July 2027

Students develop knowledge and awareness of sustainability, enabling them to make informed choices and apply. green practices in learning and daily life.

Director of Quality

Sustainability Projects & Work Experience

Offer at least one sustainabilityfocused course specific experience per department.

July 2027

Builds applied skills and real-world awareness.

Embed green skills within curriculum

Integrate green skills into engineering courses using Decarbonisation Lab resources

July 2027

Graduates with practical knowledge of sustainable engineering; curriculum aligned with net-zero industry needs.

Head of Engineering & Motor Vehicle

Strengthen regional collaboration in green technologies

Establish a Carbon Capture, Heat Recovery, and Hydrogen Energy working group with employers and sector bodies

July 2027

Raises profile of Yorkshire and Humber as a strategic net-zero region; enhances curriculum relevance; improves recruitment pipeline and CPD opportunities.

Executive Director of External Partnerships, Head of Partnerships

Strengthen SDG integration in curriculum

Embed SDG-linked learning outcomes across all programmes, addressing identified gaps.

July 2028

Students develop knowledge, skills, and values aligned with global sustainability goals; more coherent SDG literacy across the Group.

Director of Curriculum

Climate Action Plan | Building a Sustainable Future Together

Lead(s)

Director of Curriculum

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GREEN SKILLS, CAREERS & CLIMATE EDUCATION: Goal

Actions

Timescale

Impact

Increase participation in green skills programmes

Increase Skills Bootcamp participation in Carbon Capture and Heat Recovery over 3 years.

July 2028

Results in a more skilled workforce ready to support decarbonisation initiatives; increased awareness and adoption of green technologies.

Executive Director of External Partnerships, Head of Partnerships

Showcase sustainable technology in practice

Develop the Decarbonisation Lab to be more energy self-sufficient using heat recovery, solar, etc.

July 2029

Demonstrates realworld applications of net-zero technologies; inspires students and stakeholders; reduces. operational carbon footprint.

Director of Estates, Head of Engineering

Respond to emerging green skills needs

Monitor industry developments and develop programmes to address skills gaps and demand

Ongoing

Ensures curriculum remains relevant; supports workforce transition to green economy; fosters innovation and responsiveness.

Executive Director of External Partnerships, Executive Director of Curriculum and Quality

Climate Action Plan | Building a Sustainable Future Together

Lead(s)

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