College set to receive £1.4 million boost for net zero mission
Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) is one step closer to achieving its net zero ambition after being awarded a grant of £1,408,211 from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The Low Carbon Skills Fund previously supported the development of the College’s comprehensive heat decarbonisation plan, while this latest funding will cover the capital works required to implement it, a significant step towards achieving the College’s sustainability goals.
BSDC is committed to leading the way on sustainability issues which includes being a Carbon Neutral Organisation, being part of the SDG Accord and having a target of achieving net zero by 2050.
The three-year project will see the College aiming to replace all gas-fired heating systems, fluorescent lighting, ventilation/cooling plants, insulation and single-glazed windows.
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant will be used for fabric upgrades and the installation of a centralised Hybrid Air Source Heat Pump heating generation system.
By implementing these improvements, BSDC expects to reduce carbon emissions by more than 42 per cent, making a significant impact on its environmental objectives.
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix.
It provides grant funding to public sector organisations in England to support the installation of heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures in their buildings.
Since its inception in 2020, the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has provided grants to public sector organisations to implement energy-saving and carbon-reducing technologies. The scheme aims to reduce emissions from public sector buildings by 75 per cent by 2037, compared to a 2017 baseline.
As the College works towards its net zero ambition, it further aims to increase carbon literacy amongst learners and staff, align capital procurement with sustainability aspirations, adapt the curriculum to reflect the ever-changing needs of green sectors and the green economy, and ensure its influence within communities helps to shape local sustainability targets.
Hannah Roberts, Vice Principal - Finance and Resources at BSDC, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this significant grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
“It marks an important step towards our goal of achieving net zero by 2050.
“We’re committed to driving positive environmental change, not just through our operations, but by embedding sustainability into our curriculum.
“It’s vital our learners understand how the green agenda will shape their lives, their communities and their future careers.”
Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation at Salix, Ian Rodger said: “We are pleased to support Burton and South Derbyshire College on this important journey.
“The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will help fund energy efficiency works which will significantly reduce carbon emissions at the college and support them in their wider ambitions to educate future generations on the importance of sustainability.”
Pictured: Staff from Burton and South Derbyshire College’s Sustainability Group celebrating the forthcoming upgrades as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
