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Southern Regional College has been awarded a prestigious Silver award in the 2025 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey, marking significant progress just months after receiving a Bronze award in November 2024. The achievement, recognised by Business in the Community Northern Ireland, reflects the College's year-on-year improvement in environmental management and the embedding of sustainability across its strategy and operations.
The College's principal and chief executive, Mrs Lee Campbell, said their progress shows what is possible when sustainability sits at the heart of the College community. She added: "From cutting our carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy to embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals across our curriculum, staff development and student experience, we are changing how we teach, learn and operate for the better. Achieving a Silver award in the Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey is a proud milestone, but it is also a stepping stone as we accelerate in our journey towards becoming sustainable."
Since the last review, the College has delivered substantial reductions in energy use through major investments, including a £210,000 435 kW photovoltaic array at the Newry East campus and over £300,000 in LED lighting, low-pressure hot water upgrades, building-management system improvements and additional electric vehicle chargers.
The College has continued its work in training and encouraging students and staff members to engage with sustainability practices across the curriculum. During the review period, 60 senior leaders undertook Carbon Literacy training. The Students' Union elected three Sustainability Officers and initiatives such as the Sustainability Fair, Cultural Diversity Day and the My World My Home programme are helping students to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and engage with climate action.
Beyond environmental measures, the College's sustainability agenda extends to social value, wellbeing and inclusion. Through the GoodforMeGoodforFE campaign, staff and students continued fundraising efforts for charity partner Alzheimer's Society, volunteering hours for charity and community organisations and donating items, such as food, warm clothing and toys, to local community organisations and foodbanks.
Practical support for learners includes the Educational Eats initiative, which delivered 31,400 free breakfasts and 8,738 free lunches during the 2024/25 winter term, as well as the distribution of Winter Wellness Packs to students in need.
The Silver award represents a significant step forward for Southern Regional College as it continues its journey towards comprehensive sustainability across all aspects of College life.
