Did you know we sponsored The South Yorkshire Sustainability Awards 2022 at Magna Science Adventure Park? It was great fun; the event celebrated the achievements of those that have started on their journey to reducing their environmental impact.
At College, we recognise the importance of changing the way businesses work and the integral part companies must play in becoming more sustainable. Sponsoring the Sustainability Awards allowed us to celebrate the achievements of companies and individuals who are improving their business through sustainable operations and practices.
Tom Rumboll, CEO of SYNETIQ Ltd. and Managing Director of IAA UK, won the Business Leader of the Year Award, presented by our Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, Rachel James. SYNETIQ Ltd. recycle 96.3% of every vehicle they dismantle. Under Tom’s leadership, SYNETIQ Ltd. is committed to ensuring that its business remains at the forefront of a changing industry landscape and drives the industry forward in collectively achieving net-zero emissions.
We have made positive changes to become more sustainable in all aspects of College life, with over 700 members of staff and approximately 9,000 students making small changes impacting on the Barnsley community. We are also collaborating with local organisations to drive sustainability and working closely with businesses within the Barnsley borough and surrounding areas.
Yiannis Koursis OBE, Chief Executive and Principal of Barnsley College, said: “At College we believe it is essential to recognise companies that have gone above and beyond when it comes to minimising their environmental impact, whilst simultaneously striving to ensure that their employees have a safe and healthy working environment.”
We are aiming to become a Carbon Literate Organisation by developing and delivering The Carbon Literacy Project, improving our awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities. The project includes reducing consumption of goods and services, removing single-use plastics from the College’s catering facilities and reducing the amount of waste produced. All new buildings and developments will also be designed using sustainable materials and be energy efficient, helping to reduce carbon footprint.
The £4.2m Think Low Carbon Centre, based at our Honeywell campus, is a Sustainable Centre of Excellence designed to facilitate research, development, and knowledge transfer for environmental technologies. The centre features solar panels, triple glazing, a wood-pellet powered biomass boiler and reflective sun pipes which allow natural daylight into darker rooms.
Rachel James, Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning at College, added: “We are also working towards integrating sustainability into everything we do, ensuring all students and staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make the world a better place. We are actively creating new green and sustainable pathways in the curriculum and encouraging students and staff to get involved with other green projects across the community.”
To find out more about our sustainability agenda visit: Strategic Plan
Last updated: 6th October 2022
Originally posted on: 6th October 2022