Our Sustainability Strategy
Please note that these are headline targets which have detailed sub-actions within the Bridgend College Sustainability strategy, assessment and action plan.
| Action | Target |
|---|---|
| Net zero carbon | 2030 |
| 100% renewable electricity | Achieved |
| Zero waste to landfill | Achieved |
| Sustainability is a separate entry in the Collegeâs Corporate Risk Register | Achieved |
| Sustainability as a separate entry in the Collegeâs Corporate Risk Register | Achieved |
| Develop net zero e-learning modules for Wales (on Welsh Gov Hwb) | Achieved |
| Net zero modules on Skillsgate for all staff | Achieved |
| To develop staff /student training resources on Circular Economy Innovation | June 2025 |
| Develop and deliver the âsustainable garden/plazaâ and external teaching area project as an important centralised development at Pencoed campus. | Achieved |
| New net zero Town Centre campus | May 2026 |
| To recognise the significant changes brought about by the digital revolution and put in place policy to calculate CO2 emissions through whole-life procurement, use and disposal and to implement policy change for management of digital documents, media etc. | Achieved |
| Achieve the Accounting for Sustainability award | December 2025 |
| Maintain the platinum level of the Corporate Health Standard | Achieved |
| To carry out a sustainability audit of all curriculum areas | June 2025 |
| Install an Ethical Finance and Investment Policy | Achieved |
| Develop a sustainable home and demonstration house for independent living skills | Achieved |
| Develop the âedible campusâ at Pencoed and sensory gardens | June 2025 |
| Embed action for sustainability in all area curriculum and business support Quality Improvement Plans | Achieved |
| Align all college policies and procedures with sustainability principles | December 2025 |
Ethical Investment and Finance Statement
Bridgend College has joined organisations around the world in publicly declaring a climate and ecological emergency. We are a signatory to the Sustainable Development Goals Accord, have made publicly available our carbon zero target and have completed and continue to develop our Sustainability Scorecard. Sustainability is front and centre at Bridgend College and this policy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that we make financial decisions responsibly, with integrity, openness and transparency.
1.1 The purpose of this document is to ensure that due consideration is given to social, environmental and corporate governance issues regarding any financial investments we may make.
1.2 The objective of this document is to minimise or, where we are able to do so, eliminate negative impacts as a result of our purchasing or funding decisions. Further, we will seek to enhance and positively impact upon social, environmental and corporate governance issues wherever the opportunity arises.
In making financial and investment decisions we will take reasonable measures to identify and take action where possible regarding the following:
- Prohibit the procurement of goods and services from any business involved in distributing tobacco products.
- Prohibit the procurement of goods and services from any business involved in producing weapons and weapon systems, including cluster munitions and anti-personnel landmines.
- Prohibit the procurement of goods and services where human rights, including human trafficking and modern slavery, and violations are seen, or which display evidence of institutionalisation of poverty through discriminatory market practices, racial or sexual discrimination.
- Prohibit the use of companies which test on animals purely for cosmetic purposes.
- Prohibit the procurement of goods or services from organisations convicted or involved in explicit environmental damage.
In particular, we will:
- Promote human rights, including but not limited to the equality of gender, race and sexuality, including as part of teaching and learning opportunities.
- Promote good business ethics and good employment practices, including as part of teaching and learning opportunities.
- Protect the local and global environment, its climate and biodiversity, including as part of teaching and learning opportunities.
- Engage in sustainable provision and procurement of resources and services.
- Engage in good business ethics and good employment practices.
- Engage in community investment and local sourcing wherever possible.
- Maintain 100% enhanced renewable electricity supply.
- Invest in non-fossil fuel heating systems as part of the climate strategy.
- Encourage anyone wishing to challenge our practices on the grounds of ethical investment to raise their concerns.
- Work with ethically-minded organisations and share good practice.
The Senior Leadership Team is responsible for approving this document and bringing this to the attention of the College Operational Group.
3.2 The Head of Health, Safety and Sustainability is responsible for maintaining this document and developing the sustainable procurement procedure and training needs in conjunction with the Senior Accountant and Procurement Officer.
3.3 The Marketing Manager is responsible for maintaining the key points on the College website.
3.4 The Health, Safety and Sustainability team are responsible for auditing this document.
