The Further Education Sector Joins the Race to Net Zero

10 October 2023

The further education (FE) sector in the UK has a vital role to play in the UK’s journey to Net Zero. FE colleges are responsible for educating and training millions of people each year, and they can play a leading role in developing the skills and knowledge needed to transition to a low-carbon economy.

The FE sector also has a significant environmental impact of its own. According to the Association of Colleges (AoC), FE colleges in England account for around 3% of the public sector’s carbon emissions. This is due to several factors, including the large number of buildings that colleges operate, the energy they consume, and the travel emissions of their staff and students.

The Department for Education’s (DfE) Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy (2022) sets out a goal for the UK to have a world-leading education sector in sustainability and climate change by 2030. To achieve this, the strategy set out four strategic aims:

1.  Excellence in education and skills for a changing world: preparing all young people for a world impacted by climate change through learning and practical experience.
2.  Net zero: reducing direct and indirect emissions from education and care buildings, driving innovation to meet legislative targets, and providing opportunities for children and young people to engage practically in the transition to net zero.
3. Resilient to climate change: adapting education and care buildings and estates to the impacts of climate change and embedding climate resilience into education and care provision.
4. Global leadership: working with the international community to share best practice and support other countries to achieve their sustainability and climate change goals.

The strategy included a number of targets for the further education (FE) sector, including:

• By 2024, all FE colleges will be able to report on their carbon emissions as part of the new framework, although not currently mandatory, if ‘insufficient progress is made voluntarily’ the government’s Net-Zero Strategy commits to legislate reporting of emissions, as we have seen in other industries.
• By 2025, all FE colleges will have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan.
• By 2030, all FE colleges will be on track to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

With deadlines drawing closer and all industries feeling the growing pressure of net zero, now is the time to develop your organisation’s plan.

Although some colleges are already taking action to reduce their environmental impact and achieve net zero, with some colleges installing renewable energy systems, retrofitting buildings etc. Many do not have the resources and skill needed to put an appropriate plan in place at present …

The FE sector has a vital role to play in the UK’s journey to net zero. By reducing their own emissions and developing green skills, FE colleges can help to create a more sustainable future for everyone. That’s why Inenco are proud to sponsor the AoC Beacon Award for ‘Education for Sustainable Development’ showcasing colleges that are integrate issues such e.g., climate change and biodiversity to empower learners. Recognising colleges that have demonstrated a culture that supports the transition to greener economies, equips people with skills needed for ‘green jobs’ and motivates the adoption of sustainable lifestyles.

Inenco is also proud to sponsor the AoC Student of the Year ‘Student Green Commitment Award’ recognising students who have made a significant impact on sustainability, biodiversity, and green skills at a national, regional, or local level. Showcasing those who have led on specific action projects, including activities such as recycling schemes, sustainable transport schemes, carbon reduction initiatives, and more.

Young people and many other stakeholders are increasingly committed to delivering true environmental sustainability. So how can your organisation meet this challenge whilst also battling tightening resources? Inenco are helping schools, colleges, and universities to chart a pathway to carbon net zero in a practical and pragmatic way.

With the help of Inenco as your energy and sustainability partner, you have at your disposal a vast array of expertise all under one roof to help you achieve your sustainability goals Learn how we can help you to better understand your current carbon footprint and work to deliver your decarbonisation plan. To find out more about Inenco’s track record in helping organisations to map out and deliver their roadmap to net zero please contact us at 08451 46 36 26 or email enquiries@inenco.com.