AoC and EAUC launch new Climate Action Roadmap for Colleges

An innovative tool to support further education colleges to reach net-zero has been relaunched today by Association of Colleges and the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC).

First launched in 2020 in partnership with UUK and Guild HE as part of FE and HE Climate Commission, the Climate Action Roadmap for Colleges has so far supported more than 130 colleges in their journey to sustainability.

Research conducted in 2023* found that 95% of colleges would recommend the roadmap, and 87% used it as a tool to develop the foundation to a sustainability strategy, identify objectives, priorities, and KPIs, and implement and structure net-zero plans.

From today, a second version with additional tools, resources and a progress tracker will be available to colleges across the country. The roadmap will continue to guide them to reach net zero and help them to directly contribute towards the government’s target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and mission to become a green energy superpower.

New additions introduced today include a basic beginner's progress dashboard to track progress on sustainability goals over time and report to senior college management on the current climate journey, as well as new actions for colleges to consider on biodiversity, Education Sustainable Development (ESD) and procurement.

There are also new resources to support colleges, including the Standardised Carbon Emissions Framework (SCEF), FE Governance Toolkit and Green Careers Guide.

David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges, said: ”AoC is pleased to have worked in partnership with EAUC to develop the new version of the Climate Action Roadmap for colleges, and know it will be a great support to them as they continue on their journeys to net zero.

“It’s timely, with the government pressing ahead with its mission for the UK to become a green energy superpower, in which colleges have a crucial role to play. Not only are colleges leading the way in reducing their own carbon emissions, but they are also providing the skills that employers need to move forward in sectors such renewable energy, carbon capture, retrofit and advanced digital technologies such as EV, transport and logistics.”

Charlotte Bonner, CEO, EAUC: “The Climate Action Roadmap for Colleges has been instrumental in helping colleges envision and implement more sustainable ways of working. By promoting a whole-organisation approach, it ensures that everyone – from educators and support staff to leaders – can identify their role in building a sustainable, responsible institution that not only prepares its learners for the future but also positively impacts communities and society as a whole.

“In a sector that’s always evolving, it's essential to regularly review our tools to ensure they remain valuable and effective. I am therefore delighted that, in partnership with the AoC and sector sustainability leaders, we have developed this second iteration of a vital resource for further education.”

While the roadmap offers a universal framework, the actions outlined are adaptable to each institution’s unique context, which allows educators and staff to interpret and apply the roadmap in line with their specific setting.

The roadmap has three levels for colleges to progress through, each of which contains a series of initiatives colleges can implement to reach net zero emissions and improve their environmental impact. Each initiative has both a ‘cost’ and ‘time’ rating, because every college is different, it is not possible to estimate this precisely. Instead, the ratings should give a sense of whether the cost and time is high, medium or low.

• Emerging: colleges just beginning to address sustainability

• Established: colleges with an established approach to sustainability and structures in place to support it

• Leading: colleges which are models to others on sustainability

The roadmap should be utlised by everyone across the college community. Although many of the initiatives require executive action or investment, students should be seen as partners in developing and implementing the college’s approach to sustainability. The roadmap can also be shared by the college with other stakeholders – such as local authorities or businesses – to explain their approach to reach net zero emissions.

Gloucestershire College

In their journey to net zero, Gloucestershire College have installed heat pumps, solar PV, energy storage and smart energy control systems. By aligning the technology selections with robust financial modelling, the designed system will deliver green, competitive and secure energy services that future proof the college in support of their net zero ambitions.

Harrogate College

Harrogate College has partnered with local businesses and the third sector to advance regional retrofitting skills, fostering awareness and demand. Through collaborative efforts and a shared vision, the project has shown scalability potential. It serves as a prime example of the new college’s holistic sustainability integration, driven by employer feedback via the newly launched employers network, empowering learners and staff for the future.

To view the roadmap in full, please click here.