Green Gown Awards 2015 – Carbon Reduction - Edinburgh College - Finalist

Cracking Carbon at Edinburgh College

Edinburgh College is adopting a holistic approach to sustainability and carbon reduction. The college developed its first Carbon Management Plan in 2014 and aims to reduce emissions by at least 18% by 2020.  The plan covers all aspects of the College’s operation and many projects are progressing including voltage optimization, BMS and HVAC improvements, and more.  There has been an 8% reduction in electricity in the first year. 

The College has also developed the Waste Strategy and internal ‘Sort It’ campaign to help drive waste management improvements. On the travel side the College has a fleet of electric cars and is supporting a number of cycling initiatives including e-cycles, subsidised locks, secure storage and maintenance workshops. 

The Community Growing Strategy outlines how the college seeks to maximise the benefit of its community gardens.  Edinburgh College has seen good progress although this is just the start of the journey towards sustainability.

Top 3 learnings

1 Having someone leading the agenda gets things moving

2 Celebrate small goals -  sustainability is a long journey and takes time

3 Positivity and enthusiasm are vital.