'Green Colleges Declaration' launched today

9th April 2008

UK colleges commit to go green

Colleges responsible for teaching and training over three million people will today pledge to go green in all areas of their business.

The 'Green Colleges Declaration', covering UK institutions with a combined annual turnover of £6 billion, will be launched by the Association of Colleges and the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) in Exeter today.

The declaration commits colleges to far-reaching plans that ensure they make better use of resources and champion sustainable development among staff, students, employers, councils and their local communities.

Up to 70% of colleges have already carried out energy surveys, 100% have college recycling facilities in place and 77% encourage staff and students to travel 'green'.

The new pledge will make sustainable development the guiding principle in colleges' policies, practices and planning - in the design and management of buildings, in all areas of the curriculum and relationships with partner organisations - aiming to enhance the UK's skills base, change people's behaviours and promote greater respect for the environment wherever possible.
David Collins, AoC President and Principal of South Cheshire College, said;

"Colleges are at the hub of local and regional economies and our influence stretches far and wide. We therefore have a critical role to play in protecting the environment and showing the way forward to all of our partners. This declaration binds UK colleges to actively protect our environment and make sustainability a reality in the fastest growing area of the UK's education system.

Iain Patton, EAUC Executive Director said;

"It's one of the best kept secrets how much UK colleges are the powerhouse to deliver a more sustainable future for our country. What better places than colleges to drive local and regional economies and create the glue to bind our communities together. I am delighted to join the AoC in launching this Declaration. It builds on the important work already going on in many of our colleges and sets a benchmark for all to work towards."

Click here for further information on AoC's work in this area. See below for a copy of the declaration.

Signed declarations should be emailed to Lisa Dubow or posted to Lisa at AoC, 2-5 Stedham Place, London, WC1A 1HU. Those who sign and return the Declaration will receive a certificate stating what they have signed up to.