Plan combines major energy reductions, solar investment and green skills training
Middlesbrough College has launched a bold new Greener Futures Plan, setting out its ambition to become a national leader in sustainability while training thousands of students for careers in the UK’s fast-growing low-carbon economy.
The plan builds on significant progress already made by the College, which has already reduced its energy use by more than 1.2 million kilowatt-hours – a 16% reduction – equivalent to powering more than 430 homes for a year.
The multi-phase strategy outlines how the College will embed environmental responsibility across its site, curriculum and partnerships, with targets for the Middlehaven campus to become net zero by 2030.
The announcement comes as demand for green skills continues to rise across the UK, with further education colleges playing a critical role in delivering the workforce needed for the transition to net zero. This includes being a key player in helping to deliver the landmark £1m Tees Valley Net Zero Industry Scholarship programme – one of the key initiatives from the Tees Valley Regional Skills Consortium – which will see the College training 16-19-year-olds in roles such as welding, pipefitting and civil operations.
As part of its continued investment in powering a greener campus, the College has successfully secured a £500,000 grant to upgrade all remaining lighting to energy-efficient LED fittings across its estate, with works now nearing completion. In addition, work has begun this month on the installation of £600k of solar PV panels on both the Main Building wave roof and the TTE Building south roof, again funded by GB Solar Accelerator fund.
Further strengthening its commitment to a low-carbon future, the College has secured £4.9m through the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to support a major programme of campus-wide infrastructure upgrades. Delivered in phases beginning from this summer through to 2029, the project will introduce low-carbon heating, including air source heat pumps, alongside expanded solar PV installation across rooftops and car parks. The investment is expected to deliver significant reductions in energy use and emissions, while supporting the College’s long-term net zero ambitions.
Sara Marshall, Vice Principal of Campus and Digital Services at Middlesbrough College, said: “Our Greener Futures Plan sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap for how we will continue to reduce our environmental impact while supporting the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
“We are proud of the progress we have already made, from significantly reducing our energy use to investing in more sustainable infrastructure, but we know there is more to do. By integrating sustainability across everything we do, we are not only reducing our own footprint but also equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a greener future.”
The College’s sustainability commitments are being delivered through a range of initiatives across the College. These include the development of a new Climate Awareness CPD programme to help staff understand and reduce their environmental impact, beginning with calculating personal carbon footprints.
The Construction department has also undertaken an international visit to Ireland to explore best practice in sustainable construction training, while a growing portfolio of Green Skills courses is equipping students with the knowledge needed for careers in sustainable industries. This includes meeting the growing demand for retrofit professionals with a course offering which supports the UK’s transition to energy -efficient homes.
For further information on Middlesbrough College’s green ambitions, read the full sustainability guide here.
