Introduction
Stafford College embarked on its journey towards sustainable development in 2006 when it became an active member of SAFE (A Sustainable Agenda for Further Education) which promotes sustainable development among all Staffordshire Colleges. The College signed a pledge with the other Colleges in Staffordshire to 'embrace sustainable development in order to reduce their impact on the environment by the prudent use of resources, reducing waste to landfill, reducing consumption of energy and water and promoting sustainable development among businesses and the wider community'.
The Sustainability Group was established in October 2006 and initially approved a Statement of Intent and an Action Plan. Membership is voluntary and includes teaching and support staff, senior management and governors. The first student members will join in September 2008.
It was acknowledged from the outset that the College was starting from a low base-line. Rather than establishing a grand plan the group recognized its limited knowledge and experience and set itself simple steps for improvement. The key priorities were to actively manage energy consumption and waste.
Progress over the last 12 months
The College's Sustainable Development Action Plan for 2008-9 has the following targets which deal with promoting sustainability among students and staff:
- Designate a Sustainable Development Day
- Develop a student tutorial module
- Keep notice boards refreshed and interesting
- Offer staff development sessions
In addition the promotion of the group's work within the student body was considered very important and involving more students in the sustainability group a priority. Three students joined the Group in September and have made a real difference in raising awareness around the College. |
