Colleges & Sustainability

Through this college’s strategic commitment to sustainability, it has:  

• Transformed and integrated climate action into every aspect of college life. 
• Achieved so far a 23% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions, saving over 600 tonnes of CO₂e. 
• Developed a framework that includes: curriculum transformation, carbon reduction, student engagement, staff development, and community collaboration 
• Embedded sustainability across all areas of the curriculum with green skills and climate literacy tailored to vocational and academic pathways. 
• Embarked on an ambitious programme of replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps (operational at two campuses with a third underway) and introducing high efficiency VRF units. 
• Empowered students to lead climate campaigns and developed delivery of certificated carbon literacy super curricular programmes for students. 
• Embedded sustainability into staff CPD and teaching. Over 4000 sustainability CPD hours delivered so far. 
• Taken every opportunity to share best practice across the sector and beyond, contributing case studies to national platforms and regularly showcasing our environmental work at high-profile national conferences as well as welcoming informal visits from other colleges. 

The model is replicable, inclusive, and future-facing — positioning our college as a climate action leader: a Beacon for Education for Sustainable Development.

Our whole-institution sustainability model demonstrates how environmental action accelerates rather than inhibits educational growth, creating exceptional outcomes across England's most challenging socioeconomic environment. National finalists in the Green Gown Awards Sustainability Institution of the Year category, we achieved 45% carbon reduction whilst simultaneously expanding green skills provision to train over 500 students in emerging technologies. Our approach integrates governance, curriculum, operations and community engagement through systematic innovation. We led the development of 22 cutting-edge green qualifications within 18 months and deployed our sector-leading Sustainable Futures Project engaging 193 students as environmental problem-solvers. Students designed solutions receiving £400-£1,800 funding, creating lasting community impact including permanent displays in City Centre Library. Strategic partnerships amplify impact through Wildlife Trust biodiversity education and Grow Notts collaborative design projects. Our Wilding Campus initiative engaged 547 students and 100 staff, planting 700+ trees across 15 habitats whilst our Environmental Leaders Programme proves environmental leadership transcends academic boundaries by successfully engaging Foundation Learners. Independent RSM assessment ranked us highest amongst benchmarked sector peers, validating our comprehensive approach. This framework provides replicable methodology demonstrating environmental responsibility enhances educational excellence whilst building green economy workforce capabilities, creating scalable models for sector-wide adoption addressing climate challenges through innovative educational leadership.

The Sustainable Futures Project Since 2021, SERC has been a leader in developing technologies for decarbonisation, focusing on the period from 2025 to 2050. It is recognised as a premier institution in areas such as Green Skills, decarbonisation, retrofitting, Green Technologies, and achieving Net Zero goals. SERC is the top college in the Northern Ireland Further Education sector for Green Technologies, Retrofitting, Sustainability, and Environmentalism. We continually adapt and lead in the technological advancements initiated by a new wave of Net Zero innovators and manufacturers. This strategic positioning benefits both the college and our students as we make significant progress in these fields. SERC equips learners with the essential skills and knowledge needed to reduce carbon emissions, thereby enhancing their ability to lower greenhouse gases. Through the development of new green skills, retrofit training, sustainable facilities, and a comprehensive curriculum focused on sustainability, along with strong community partnerships, the college prepares students and the community to make a positive contribution to both society and the environment.