Rooted in Earth: Sustainability at College 

As the vibrant greens of spring deepen and the air hums with renewed life, Earth Day on April 22nd serves as a vital reminder of our planet’s incredible beauty and the crucial role we play in its preservation.  

More Than Just a Day: Sustainability Woven into Our Fabric 

For us, sustainability isn’t a trendy buzzword; it’s a fundamental principle that guides our operations and informs our teaching. Here are just some of the ways that our colleges approach translates into tangible sustainability efforts: 

• Hands-on Learning in Harmony with Nature: Our students aren’t just reading about sustainable agriculture; they’re actively involved in practices that minimise environmental impact. This includes us planting wildflower areas at our campuses. We also have 10 acres of woodland on site, and Dearne Valley College is a “Hedgehog friendly” campus! 

• Championing Animal Welfare and Conservation: Understanding the ethical treatment of animals and the importance of biodiversity is paramount. Our animal care programs emphasise habitat preservation and highlight the crucial role animals play in healthy ecosystems. 

• Minimising Our Footprint: We are constantly striving to reduce our environmental impact across all aspects of college life. This includes us using initiatives like the use of solar PV arrays and wind turbines to provide zero-carbon electricity and ground- and water- source heat pumps to provide low carbon heating. 

• Travel Reduction: Zeelo, our Transport Partner, is the first global bus platform to offer 100% carbon neutral services. Since September 2022 Zeelo has helped us to save 10.01 tonnes of CO2! 

• Recycling and Upcycling: Our students run clothing rails across the Group for pre-loved clothing to be picked up by another learner! Wood, metal, and plaster is recycled from our construction departments, with bricks and lime mortar also being reused.  

Join Us in Cultivating a Sustainable Future 

This Earth Day, and every day, we invite you to join us in appreciating the incredible gift of our Earth and in taking meaningful steps, both big and small, to protect it for generations to come. 

Let’s continue to learn from the land, care for its inhabitants, and cultivate a future where sustainability is not just an ideal, but a way of life.