Sustainability on the agenda at college in week-long campaign

GREEN ideas to help the planet have been shared at Lakes College as part of a week-long sustainability campaign.

The college has been raising awareness of climate issues across campus this week to tie in with the COP27 conference.

Students from the college’s business, computing, digital and creative design courses were tasked with promoting sustainability projects they have been working on.

The learners had to come up with sustainable ideas for action and showcase them for staff and students during the week.

Creative media student Tyler Newton said: “The sustainability project has been a good opportunity to learn a new range of skills while working towards something for the good of the college.”

Among the ideas the students came up with were the development of a new flower garden, the creation of a pond to improve biodiversity, establishment of a clothes swap and a move to automatic taps across campus.

Tyler and coursemate Adam Collins were also interviewed by BBC Radio Cumbria about everything the college has been doing and their personal thoughts on the climate crisis, with their comments being broadcast during Caroline Robertson’s show on Wednesday.

The students’ project work was overseen by digital lecturer James Ainsworth, who has recently completed a carbon literacy course with Cumbria Action for Sustainability.

The course is all about how the college can be carbon neutral and how it can embed sustainability within its classrooms, which is a huge benefit for the college and community.

Messages promoting action on the carbon footprint have also been shared with staff and students on screens around campus this week.

Sustainability is a priority at the college, which has recently been granted the ISO 14001 certification as a symbol of its commitment to environment management.

A sustainability group made up of staff from across the campus also meets regularly to discuss action in curriculum and college life which can make an impact.

Karen Wilson, deputy principal, said: “We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and leading the way on sustainability in our community.

“We value the views of our learners and staff on this subject and their willingness to work proactively to make a difference.

“The recent ISO 14001 certification reflects our dedication to taking action on our footprint.”