#LoveOurColleges Day 1 - Construction

About Colleges Week

Colleges Week is a time of celebration and appreciation for the invaluable role that further education institutions play in our society. As we participate in the #LoveOurColleges campaign, which is led by the Association of Colleges, we are delighted to celebrate our members that are making a significant difference to sustainability in the sector. Sustainable practices make colleges stand out and EAUC is proud to showcase that!

The celebrations last two weeks, from 9th to 22nd October, with each week adopting a different focus. Today's theme is Construction, so who are we featuring?

What role does construction play in a sustainability journey? Why is it significant to education sector?

Sustainable construction minimises the environmental impact of building projects and rallies only those that support local communities and professionals. It’s an essential part of the picture, be that for the campus design itself or in terms of what educators are teaching those currently in training.

Example – Gloucestershire College

The 7,000 square-foot sustainable construction centre received funds from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the Post 16 Capacity Fund. The centre will be completed this time next year, equipped to train 164 learners with sustainability at the core.

The training provision will embrace low-carbon energy and the associated skills needed in this rapidly evolving market, following a curriculum designed in line with the carbon toolkit by local councils, as well as aspirations of the Golden Valley Development and Gloucestershire Sustainable Energy Strategy. A sure sign that learners will be prepared!

Example – Weston College

Last year Weston College took part in Great Big Green Week, which led to the colleges holding their own in September 2023! The Weston College ‘Great Big Green Week’ had a different theme every day and invited all areas of the college’s community to get involved, not only to raise awareness and promote their Sustainability and Social Action Agenda, but also to ensure everyone could contribute to aiding the environmental challenges that lie ahead. They published articles, held a student conference event and a beach clean, as well as running a unique contest.

Immediately this positively impacted the community pride and connectivity on campus, and hopes to enhance students’ learning going forward. The recent investment in new infrastructure to train the next generation of construction professionals is commendable, such as the Sustainability Centre which has environmental and renewable technologies throughout, showing learners hand-on what can be transformational to the construction and retro-fit industries. Read more about their unique Great Big Green Week here.
 

Stay tuned for more content on College’s Week 2023 on the EAUC blog and be sure to get engaged with the conversation across EAUC's Twitter and LinkedIn.

If you are a new reader of the EAUC blog and not yet a member of ours, we’d love for your college to join us. Please contact us for more information.