We welcomed Baroness Kate Parminter, former chair of the House of Lords’ Environment and Climate Change Committee, after making strides in sustainability.
Following our successful application to the Committee’s Youth Engagement Panel, which saw students give their opinions on the electric vehicles inquiry last year, we were delighted that Baroness Kate paid us a visit and took part in Carbon Literacy activities and a Q and A session with our students and staff.
“It’s clear that I met some of the environmental champions of the future and it’s clear that they are self-starters, with the College supporting them very well, and that is really encouraging to see.”
The electric vehicles inquiry was launched in August 2023 by the Environment and Climate Change Committee – then chaired by Baroness Parminter – to understand how the Government will achieve its target of decarbonising cars and vans in the UK, and the barriers to doing so.
Our participation in the programme, as one of only six schools in the country to have been accepted, has meant that the notes from regular debate sessions hosted with students were sent directly to the House of Lords to influence the inquiry.
The first report of the inquiry was published in early February, and students will have further opportunity to participate in the programme and contribute their thoughts on the Committee’s recommendations.
The students involved in the activities of the day were Grace Clarke, Chloe Hutchinson, Robin Harris, Joseph McHale, Hayden Prescott, Emma Keates, and Alex Pearce.
Baroness Kate said: “It was a real joy to meet the students and to receive such knowledgeable thoughts and questions on how committed they are to our environment.
“I was really impressed with some of the initiatives the students shared, some of which frankly I had never heard of others doing before.
“It is really good to come and be inspired by the next generation and it’s wonderful to be inspired by what they are trying to do in their studies.
“It’s clear that I met some of the environmental champions of the future and it’s clear that they are self-starters, with the College supporting them very well, and that is really encouraging to see.”
Principal and Chief Executive of Barnsley College, David Akeroyd, added: “It was our pleasure to welcome Baroness Parminter to College. Welcoming Kate as a direct result of our students’ enthusiasm and initiative, shows how our commitment to sustainability runs right through the college – from the overarching strategy overseen by our governors and executives, to the day-to-day work of staff and students.
“The College’s Sustainability Strategy is more than just words on a page. It’s a series of measurable, realistic, yet still ambitious steps toward the ultimate goal of becoming net zero carbon by 2045.
“Similarly, our students’ involvement in the electric vehicles inquiry youth engagement programme is more than a good news story – it’s an opportunity for them to glean valuable real-world experience and insight, while directly influencing the national conversation on a vital topic.
“I would like to extend a huge thank you to the Baroness, and I hope she enjoyed her visit.”
To read more about our acceptance onto the House of Lords’ Environment and Climate Change Committee youth programme: Our students’ views are being considered in Parliament! | Barnsley College
Our Sustainability Strategy: BC_Sustainability-Strategy-Handbook_web.pdf (barnsley.ac.uk)
Last updated: 14th March 2024
Originally posted on: 11th March 2024