London has set a net zero emissions target by 2030 and Waltham Forest College is taking a range of actions to improve the environment now, setting London on the path to create a better future.

Waltham Forest College is acting against global warming and climate change as well as facilitating behavioural change among our staff and students that leads towards conservation and the protection of our environment. The College has implemented a Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy and committed to introducing innovative practices that reduces UK’s emissions in line with government targets.

The College is committed to achieve its stated mission and continues to further develop and adapt its curriculum to offer linked to green technologies and skills with the aim of empowering learners to make positive behavioural changes that is action driven. New courses have are introduced and existing offer has been adapted across the curriculum range specifically supports the actions to drive and improve sustainability, contributing towards net zero targets.

Waltham Forest College will continue to work with key stakeholders and partners to factor climate action in everything that we do and embed a ‘climate lens’ into all decision-making.

Highlights of actions already undertaken to support the achievement of Net Zero:

• Partnered with the Mayor of London’s new Academies Programme specifically focusing on digital and green skills, which are vital for London to reach its Net-Zero targets.
• A drive to support the Net Zero agenda, launched a Sustainability Working Group made up of staff and student representatives.
• Introduced the monitoring of the College’s annual carbon footprint with the aim of reducing carbon emissions year on year.
• A reduction in water usage by 2% per year.
• Introduced green and suitability into the curriculum that promotes active learning about the climate emergency.
• Appointed student ‘Green Champions’ amongst the student body supporting the awareness amongst their peers.
• Introduced the sustainability and recycling of course materials and fluorescent light tubes used within the College, including the disposal of waste electrical goods in line with the WEEE3 directive.
• Introduced meat-free Monday aimed to replace meat with healthier plant-based choices.  
• Introduced the theme ‘Green and the Environment’ into the tutorial scheme of works.
• Introduced eco-friendly cutlery & food products that are compostable and better for the environment.
• Introduced LED motion sensor lighting with plans to expand this across the campus.
• Banned all plastic water bottles and eliminated the use and sale of all single-use plastics.
• Working with an organisation who recycle Hair and beauty product containers as well as actual hair.
• Using a system to eliminate the need to use cement mortar in Bricklaying.
• Planted a further 24 trees around the College estates.
• Installed a hot water system for use in warmer months using a small wall mounted boiler which saves on gas consumption as large boilers do not need to run.
• Installed recycle bin stations in staff offices and circulation spaces in the College to encourage more recycling.
• Set targets to further increase the amount of waste being recycled. Last annual report from waste contractor shows 49.2% of all waste is recycled.
• Disposal of old ULEZ non-compliant vehicles.

Further work will be undertaken to support the achievement of Net Zero:

• Continue to adapt and introduce curriculum (knowledge, skills and behaviours) which support green technologies and sustainability.
• Achieve accreditation for ISO14001 Standard which set out the framework to follow effective environmental management system.
• Monitor our energy usage that leads to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
• Increase the amount of photovoltaic (Solar) panels installed on the roof of the main College building generating electricity and hot water.
• Install further electrical charging points for vehicles.
• Drive the sustainability and recycling of course materials used to deliver the curriculum.
• Increase recycling opportunities.
• Dispose of commercial waste in line with the sector directives.
• Install more solar panels that leads to generating electricity and hot water for the building.
• Replace windows on main building with double glazed units and upgrade all thermal insulation.
• Create a new sustainability champion post to co-ordinate College-wide activities to further improve our progress towards net zero emissions.