Tomorrow’s net zero leaders are sitting in classrooms today, which is why we’re looking to our partnership with the Association of Colleges in our latest episode of Sustainably Speaking to highlight some of the major thinkers in the education sector.
The Beacon Awards recognise the most innovative and impactful practice across the UK and further education (FE), spotlighting how colleges across the country are sustainably transforming lives and contributing to their communities.
This episode features two standout finalists: Nina Hart, Head of Sustainability at the Eastern Education Group, and Debra Grey, Principal and CEO of Hull College. Both leaders share how they are embedding sustainability across curriculum, estates, culture, and community engagement, and often against tight funding cycles and competing priorities.
“For us, this was a huge acknowledgement of all of the work we had put in,” says Debra Grey.
“We never do this work to win awards – it’s just a bonus if it happens. Teams who deliver this work on the frontline need this recognition; a lot of the work is being done on a shoestring.”
Nina Hart echoes the importance of collaboration, describing the Group’s Go Green Networking events:
“They are a way of bringing industry together with the community and educators… Each time we do one, we’re amazed at how many people want to get involved.”
What’s next for sustainability in education?
The green transition hasn’t always been in the spotlight. Alex Wilson, Senior Commodities and Carbon Consultant at Sustainable Energy First, explained how colleges are evolving. In the past, he says, cost and finance previously took precedent in many conversations. Now, the last two years have seen a large shift toward sustainability: carbon, wastage, and net zero roadmaps, all coming down the line to colleges, too.
Both finalists emphasised the structural challenges facing sustainability in education. “Too much of education is short term,” Grey reflects. “The life span of funding is the life span of a parliament. I don’t think we give the future enough time.” But, she remains optimistic: “We focus on what we can do and can control.”
To find out more about why FE colleges are uniquely placed to shape a more resilient future for young people and local communities, listen to the full podcast episode here.
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