Our Progress
Sustainability isn't an isolated strand of our work. It runs through the curriculum, our buildings and our community. Here is where the college is up to, drawn from the Annual Sustainability Report 2024–25.
“Colleges will need to play a pivotal role both as educators and system leaders to affect change to the scale which will be required.”
Student surveys overwhelmingly show that this is the most important issue affecting their future, and they are demanding action.
Colleges are uniquely placed at the heart of communities to support a fair transition to a green economy for people and employers.
Colleges are major employers with significant responsibility for estates and buildings, and need to be aware of the impact their work has on the local environment.
The Association of Colleges (AoC)
The year in numbers
Heating makes up about half of our emissions, with gas the biggest single source. While preparing this year's accounts, errors were found in the 2022–23 figures, so 2023–24 is now the baseline year for comparing progress.
Cutting carbon where it matters most
Our first Climate Action Plan sets a clear path to reducing our environmental impact. These projects are the biggest steps so far.
Bradford District Heat Network
Works are under way on a city-wide low-carbon heat network. The David Hockney Building and Alternative Technology Centre will connect in 2026, the start of our move away from gas boilers.
LED lighting upgrades
More than 3,000 lights replaced in the David Hockney Building. Estimated to save 196,500 kWh and 60 tonnes of CO₂e a year, and about £84,000 a year in running costs.
Garden Mills
The refurbishment is complete, with better insulation, low-energy lighting and smart heating controls, giving comfortable and efficient teaching spaces.
Junction Mills
Sustainability is built into the new building at every stage. A whole-life carbon assessment has already saved 182 tonnes, through less steel and concrete and smarter cladding and walls.
Less waste, more reuse
Food waste segregation
Now in place in every building, in line with Simpler Recycling legislation. Separated food waste can be turned into biogas.
Borrow Cup Scheme
A deposit-based reusable cup scheme at every catering outlet, with discounts if you bring your own. So far it has avoided around 165 kg of CO₂e.
Learners making a difference
Two curriculum projects were recognised at the national Green Gown Awards, and both involve learners and staff doing real work that helps local people.
Welcome Café (Adult Skills)
Surplus food becomes nutritious, affordable meals, supporting sanctuary seekers and reducing waste. Recognised in the Benefiting Society category, and a finalist at the Yorkshire Sustainability Excellence Awards.
Reboot For Good (PLW)
Learners refurbish old IT equipment and donate it to community centres, tackling e-waste and digital exclusion. Recognised in Next Generation Learning and Skills, and published as an SDG 12 sustainability spotlight by the SDG Accord.
Netbooks4All
Matthew Day is a 2026 Green Gown Awards finalist in the Sustainability Champion category for the Netbooks4All initiative.
Preparing learners for the green economy
The Green Skills Centre at Trinity Green opened in December 2024, with training in renewable technologies, sustainable construction and retrofit. Two new Employability Skills and Sustainability lecturer roles are joining Construction. For the national picture, read the reports below.
Annual Sustainability Report 2026 ↓
The latest report: energy, carbon, the estate, curriculum and community partnerships in 2025–26. Word document.
Annual Sustainability Report 2024–25 ↗
Bradford College's own report: carbon, buildings, curriculum and the Climate Action Plan.
Green Jobs Taskforce report (DfE, 2021) ↗
Recommendations to government, industry and the skills sector on the skills needed for net zero.
An emergency plan on green jobs for young people (Friends of the Earth, 2021) ↗
A campaign report on youth unemployment and the green skills shortage. Written by an environmental campaign group, so read it as one view.
Our first Climate Action Plan
- Embed sustainability across strategy, values, KPIs and business planning
- Celebrate our actions to external audiences, and declare our commitments publicly
- Develop a Biodiversity Action Plan and encourage nature-friendly grounds practice
- Build sustainability and green skills into the curriculum and careers guidance
- Improve emissions reporting, optimise energy use and explore renewable energy