The judges described this year’s competition as particularly tough, with a high standard of entries. They commended us for the continued effort being made to become a greener college and highlighted the impact of employer-led initiatives in bringing sustainability to life for students.
A standout example was an Enterprising Day delivered at our Holly Hill Campus in partnership with Balfour Beatty. Students took part in an engaging and interactive session led by Social Impact professionals, designed to introduce sustainability within the construction and infrastructure sector.
The session began with an insightful presentation exploring the organisation’s work and its commitment to embedding sustainability and social value into projects. Students demonstrated excellent engagement, asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine interest in how environmental considerations shape modern construction and community development.
Students were then set a practical, real-world challenge: working in teams, they were tasked with designing a sustainable school within a £30,000 budget. Each group appointed a Project Manager and collaborated to develop innovative, environmentally responsible solutions. The activity showcased not only their creativity but also their ability to apply green skills, teamwork, leadership and budgeting in a meaningful way.
Feedback from industry partners highlighted the enthusiasm and originality of the students’ ideas, with several innovative concepts standing out. The session provided a valuable opportunity for learners to explore sustainable career pathways and understand how environmental thinking can be applied within the construction industry.
The judges recognised how initiatives like this demonstrate the Colleges commitment to sustainability and its importance within the student experience.
This recognition is a testament to the dedication of both staff and students in embedding sustainability into learning. We will continue to build on this success and drive forward its commitment to creating a greener future.