Sustainability policies and procedures
We recognise there is a climate emergency. As a central London adult learning community we are responding by implementing a Sustainability Action Plan inspired by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Mayor of London’s ambition for the capital to be a net zero-carbon city by 2030 includes adult education providers setting out plans for achieving net zero-carbon estates by 2030.
Our Estates Strategy has sustainability and inclusion at its heart. We are using automated ventilation and heating, carbon offsetting (through use of solar panels), recycled materials (furniture and building materials), increased cycle parking and accessible design to improve the usability and overall life cycle of our buildings.
These actions in support of sustainability can be seen in practice at our latest redevelopment project at our North Kensington Centre for Skills.
Towards a Sustainability Strategy
Morley is well on the way to becoming an established college as defined by the Climate Commission for UK Higher and Further Education.
We have appointed a Lead Governor for Sustainability and we will focus in particular on the fourth of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – ensuring inclusive education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all – which is core to Morley’s Mission.
This means ensuring that sustainability is integrated into our curriculum and physical learning environment and that there are meaningful opportunities for students to get involved and help drive the agenda.
A Sustainability Steering Group is overseeing progress in the implementation of our Action Plan, taking forward a defined set of practical initiatives that include:
- innovation in course design
- innovation in the management of estates and facilities to reduce energy use and waste
- reflecting our commitment to sustainable development in our communications and marketing offer
- encouraging demand for learning about sustainable development and the role people can play in contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Strategies and Policies for Environmental Sustainability
Morley College London is committed to fostering a sustainable future through a comprehensive set of policies and strategies that place environmental sustainability at the forefront of our operations and educational practices. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do and we are committed to promoting a culture of organizational and environmental sustainability across all our activities. From our teaching and learning practices to our day-to-day operations, we are dedicated to driving positive change and embedding sustainability into our values and practices. This commitment is reflected in our policies, strategies, and initiatives, as well as in the way we approach our curriculum, campus operations, and engagement with the broader community.
Sustainability in Our Strategic Plan 2021-2025: As a cross-cutting theme in our Strategic Plan 2021-2025, we emphasize promoting a culture of organizational and environmental sustainability. This commitment encompasses initiatives related to purchasing and procurement, renewable energy, recycling, and external communications. Moreover, we are dedicated to supporting the education of learners on matters of sustainability, environmentalism, and the climate emergency, ensuring that sustainability becomes an integral part of the learning experience.
Curriculum Strategy 2021-2025: Our Curriculum Strategy 2021-2025 further embeds environmental sustainability as a core priority. This strategy focuses on creating awareness and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly resources to deliver the curriculum. We aim to integrate sustainable development into course content wherever appropriate and to develop new courses tailored to those interested in environmental sustainability topics such as recycling, public policy, and environmental science. Additionally, we seek to identify and reinforce generic skills related to sustainable development within our study programs, especially for young people.
Environmental Sustainability Policy: Approved in 2023, our Environmental Sustainability Policy ensures a proactive and coordinated approach to managing and enhancing environmental standards. The policy mandates that sustainability matters are considered at the highest levels of governance, from the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to Centre-level committees with an environmental and sustainability remit. The Finance, Resources, and Sustainability Committee provides oversight and ensures that sustainability strategies are adopted and monitored effectively across the organization. The policy addresses various aspects of our operations, including energy use, waste management, procurement, and transportation, to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices across all areas of the College.
2023/2024 Priority Plan: As part of our 2023/2024 Priority Plan, Morley College London is focused on enhancing the green skills and sustainability knowledge of our students. This plan underscores our commitment to embedding sustainability into the fabric of our educational offerings. A key element of this plan is the provision of carbon literacy training for 16-18-year-olds, equipping them with essential knowledge about climate change, carbon footprints, and practical steps to reduce emissions. By integrating sustainability into our Priority Plan, we aim to develop future-ready learners who are empowered to contribute positively to a more sustainable world, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility across our college community.
Personal Development Scheme of Work for 2024/2025: To further strengthen our commitment to sustainability education, carbon literacy training for 16-18-year-olds has been included as a designated session in the Term 1 Personal Development Scheme of Work for 2024/2025.
Sustainability as a Vision at the Waterloo Centre: In alignment with our vision for the Waterloo Centre 2024, we have prioritized sustainability as a core focus for 2024. Our goal is to integrate sustainability into all our subjects by leveraging our strong connections with the science, technology, and health sectors. As part of this priority, the Waterloo Centre will lead on green and digital skills development, supported by Local Skills Improvement Funding. This initiative underscores our commitment to placing sustainability at the heart of education and equipping our learners with the skills needed for a sustainable future.
Through these policies and strategies, Morley College London demonstrates its unwavering commitment to sustainability. We believe in leading by example and continuously striving to make a positive impact on the environment, our community, and the world.
