Sustainability Leadership at Bridgend College

Bridgend College was one of the first colleges in the UK to publicly declare our commitment to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies that face us. In 2021, we brought forward our net zero carbon target by 10 years to 2030.

“We need to ensure that we become as agile, innovative and change-capable as the world around us, while ensuring that human and planetary wellbeing is at the heart of our business“
Chris Long, Head of Health, Safety and Sustainability

A key priority for Bridgend College is to be a catalyst for sustainable economic regeneration. Everyone should have access to both a rewarding and secure job and a decent standard of living, allowing them to care for their families in a safe and inclusive environment.

However, there are many types of wealth that contribute towards our quality of life: our relationships with friends and family, our health and wellbeing, and our shared natural environment, to name but a few.

As stewards of Bridgend College, a significant responsibility rests upon our shoulders: our legacy. We have an ambition to be extraordinary – moving beyond ‘business as usual’ – and are committed to leaving behind an organisation which is significantly more sustainable than the one we inherited.

‘Extraordinary’ is defined by our attitudes and principles:

View of planet Earth from space showing a curved horizon, swirling white clouds over blue oceans, and a bright sunrise.

Level 1

Acceptance of the major areas of global concern

Two volunteers in high-visibility waistcoats carry plastic sacks and litter pickers while walking on a path in a park.

Level 2

Acceptance of ownership and responsibility

A group of people walks in a single line through a tall green grass meadow on a sunny day with trees in the background.

Level 3

Acceptance of action and intent

We are part of a global community working together to address the climate and ecological crises. In order to achieve our ambitions, we will take a science-based approach to the way we conduct business, allowing us to fully consider the crucial question: What plan will deliver the best possible business case for achieving our sustainability commitments?

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

We were the first college in Wales to sign the international Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Leading with the emerging future in mind

Extraordinary leaders understand that no person, community or business survives without being resilient.

Our carbon emissions

Bridgend College is committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2030 for scoopes 1 and 2 and no later than 2035 for scope 3. Our emissions and trajectory reporting ensure openness and clarity for all.