Warwickshire College achieves Planet Mark sustainability

One of the largest further and higher education providers in the Midlands, has been awarded The Planet Mark sustainability certificate for a fourth year in a row in recognition of its commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability. The Warwickshire College Group (WCG) reported a reduction of 23 per cent in its total carbon footprint over the four years since July 2013.

Mick Hubbard, Director of Estates at WCG, said: “This highlights our continued commitment to ensuring we tackle climate change by reducing our carbon footprint across the college group.”

To hit the 2017 emissions reduction targets, WCG has focused on improving data collection, energy efficiency and waste management with the support of  ‘green teams’ across the college group.

Steve Malkin, founder of The Planet Mark, an internationally sustainability certification programme, said: “Warwickshire College Group should be proud of their achievement in reducing their carbon footprint over the last four years.  They have embraced The Planet Mark programme, involving staff and students and putting exciting plans in place to reduce their carbon, energy, water and waste.  The biggest impact may be felt in years to come as we are seeing sustainability being discussed enthusiastically by students and teaching staff in courses across the whole of the Group.”

Simon Cox, UK Sustainability Officer for Prologis UK, said: “We have been working with WCG for the last four years and look forward to working with staff and students as they continue their sustainability journey.”

WCG is one of the largest general further and higher education college groups in the UK. The group has seven colleges – Royal Leamington Spa, Rugby, Moreton Morrell, Pershore, Evesham, Malvern Hills and Warwick Trident, with over 17,000 students and more than 1000 courses.