Sustainability

Our new campus was designed with a range of environmentally friendly features and energy usage measures in place such as systems for renewable energy and energy conservation.

At the college we do our bit for recycling; we currently recycle paper, cardboard, some glass, oil from motor vehicles/engineering and scrap metal.

Our students have worked hard to create a sustainable garden within our own College grounds.  Work is well underway and the final garden will include plants, natural sculptures, a herb garden and bat boxes.

Our students have been participating in this environmental project with Durham County Council Countryside Rangers at Cater House Colliery and Age Concern at Byerley Park Allotment, Newton Aycliffe.

The College currently has a green transport plan to encourage alternative means of travel to and from the College.  All vehicles are low sulphur diesel powered and we also operate on site an electric vehicle for general transport and a biodiesel litter machine.

Steps are being taken to increase our biodiversity on campus including a five year programme of tree, shrub and bulb planting, bird nesting boxes and bat boxes to existing wooded areas.

Our campus is registered with the Environment Agency and a new 5,000 litre bunded oil storage tank with automatic float switch alarm was installed in summer 2005.

Our sustainable development not only protects the environment but it increases the quality of life and enhances the local area.  Please read on to view how our facilities comply with regulations.

Prior to the appointment of contractors we ask them to complete a questionnaire relating to their environmental policies and awareness, quality assurance and sustainability issues.