Nelson & Colne College Group breaks ground on ambitious carbon neutral project | Member News

Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG), which has a national reputation for educational success and is seen as a beacon of excellence for teaching and learning across the country, are now also leading the way in sustainability and net zero.

The College is set to become one of the first further education colleges in the country to commit to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, thanks to an ambitious sustainability initiative.

The college's campuses in Accrington and Nelson will undergo a significant transformation over the coming months, replacing their fossil-fuel-based heating systems as part of a major £8 million green energy retrofit. This ground-breaking project aligns with the college's strategic goal to combat climate change and demonstrates a substantial commitment to sustainability, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality 15 years ahead of the UK government's net zero target in 2050.

The initiative is a direct response to the growing environmental concerns of the college's 13,000 strong student body and will reduce the College's burning of fossil fuels by more than 90%.

The college partnered with the HI Group, a leading force in driving innovation and sustainable transformation to decarbonise organisations, to identify the most effective and viable green energy solution over a two-year period of extensive analysis and meticulous planning. These efforts have culminated in a detailed emissions reduction strategy and a three-step energy retrofit plan:

1. Electrification of Heating: Installation of renewable electricity-powered heat pumps.
2. On-site Renewable Power Generation: Implementation of solar PV systems.
3. Optimisation of Energy Use: Integration of battery storage and smart controls for economic energy management.

The official "spade in the ground" ceremony at Accrington & Rossendale College was attended by key figures, including, Phil Wilkinson, Chair of Governors at NCCG and Lisa O'Loughlin, Principal and CEO of NCCG, Shelagh Legrave CBE, the Further Education Commissioner and Cllr Mike Booth, Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn. Representatives from HI Group and the principal contractor Lorne Stewart were also in attendance.

Lisa O'Loughlin , Principal of NCCG, said:

"This project represents a major milestone in our sustainability journey. By striving to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, we are setting a strong example for our students and the community. We are not just educating about sustainability; we are living it."

Russell Burton, Director and Founder at HI Group, added:

"We are immensely proud to have partnered with Nelson & Colne College Group in transforming their extensive campus into a model of sustainability. For the HI Group team, it's a privilege to deliver a solution that will benefit not only the institution but also the wider community for generations to come."

Completion of the project is anticipated by March 2025.

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