• Swindon & Wiltshire Eco
• Thursday October 16 2025

Wiltshire College in the running for top sustainability award

Wiltshire College & University Centre has been named a finalist for Sustainability Institution of the Year at the 2025 Green Gown Awards – recognising the College’s leadership and impact in embedding sustainability across its campuses, curriculum and community.

The prestigious award recognises excellence across the education sector, highlighting institutions that are making a significant impact in reducing their environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices.

The College started their sustainability journey in 2022 with the creation of a Sustainability Committee driving the College’s commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040.

Deputy principal Steve Campion said: “With our sustainability strategy we’re passionate about meeting our targets – from cutting emissions with renewable energy to expanding green skills training for our students. We’ve made real progress since 2022, and we’re determined to build on this momentum.”

Highlights from the College’s sustainability programme include:

• Launch of an anaerobic digester at Lackham campus, reducing emissions by over 50 per cent
• Installation of over 800 solar PV panels across Trowbridge and Lackham campuses since 2023
• Development of Lackham Eco House, in partnership with Good Energy, and a Green Skills Innovation Centre, opening later this year to support practical skills training in green technologies.
• Growth in green skills training in areas such as electric vehicles, solar energy and heat pump installation.
• Ongoing investment in energy-efficient facilities, EV charging, sustainable catering options and biodiversity projects across campuses.

These initiatives have been supported by over £1 million of combined investment, including funding from the Department of Education and Wiltshire Council.

Steve said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a finalist in the Green Gown Awards. Sustainability is a priority for the College, not only in how we manage our campuses but also in how we prepare our students with the skills they need for a greener future.

“This recognition reflects the hard work of our staff, students and partners, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far.”

Steve added: “These achievements show the real impact of our strategy, and we’re committed to building on this momentum with our partners to make an even bigger difference for our community and environment.”

The winners of the 2025 Green Gown Awards will be announced on Thursday, November 6 in Birmingham.