BIOMASS BOILERS BRING RENEWABLE ENERGY TO COLLEGE CAMPUSES

The Hinckley and Wigston Campuses of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) are set to benefit from the powering up of a clean energy system installed to help reduce the carbon footprint of two of its newest buildings. The move follows the launch of a plan by the college to address its environmental impact and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Both campuses are now powered using biomass fuel which is created from wood chips, plant materials and other organic matter. This type of fuel removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows and stores it in the soil, and in plants and trees. Biomass currently represents around 11 per cent of all renewable energy in the UK and saves emissions equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road.

The college’s Wigston Campus first opened in 2010 and its creative arts Hinckley Campus was launched the following year. Both buildings were constructed to maximise energy efficiency and their design also makes use of natural daylight, creating an engaging and spacious learning environment.

The use of biomass fuels, which will see a reduction in the college’s consumption of gas, is part of a wider sustainable development action plan that will include opportunities for students to develop their environmental credentials by taking part in a Student Green Council and work with local community organisations on environmental volunteering opportunities.

NWSLC supports around 12,000 students in full and part-time study, apprenticeships, higher education, professional courses, and distance learning from six campuses in Nuneaton, Hinckley, Wigston and Coventry. The college is committed to mitigating its impact on the environment by reducing its consumption of fossil fuels and helping to engage its community and raise awareness of environmental issues.

 On college sites, several measures are being rolled out to reduce the carbon footprint of NWSLC, work towards challenging waste management targets including the reduction of single-use plastic on its campuses and reducing the waste it sends to landfill to zero.

 The college plans to further improve its buildings with the installation of LED and sensor-controlled lighting, a more efficiently functioning Building Management System, and a greater volume of recycling bins. The college has made a commitment to replacing its vehicles with electric or hybrid alternatives as leases expire. NWSLC is also committed to promoting the use of bicycles, car-sharing and public transport, and enhanced video conferencing capability is reducing the need for travel between sites.

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said, “We all have a responsibility to help the UK meet its target to bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. The college has risen to the challenge and has put in place a robust sustainability policy and a rigorous plan that will transform the way we operate at all our campuses. We welcome the move to using biomass fuels to power our Wigston and Hinckley Campuses as part of our efforts to reduce the college’s carbon footprint. The activities set out in our development plan will help to make a significant contribution to our own green agenda while also simultaneously contributing to wider UK and global goals and to educate our students.”