Sustainability
Sustainability is becoming a priority for the College, where staff and students are encouraged to help maintain an environmentally-friendly culture to aid in minimising the impact of its activities on the environment.
Eco-Colleges award
Norton-Radstock College began to follow the lead set by the eco-schools organization in October 2007 that ends with the award of the coveted 'Green Flag' status.
We are the leading FE College in the West Country working towards this award and became the first to apply for Eco-College Bronze award status in July 2007 (the first stage necessary). In May of 2008 we met all of the criteria necessary towards the claiming of Silver award status (the second step); was awarded in late May 2008.
Ultimately, we are working towards the prestigious Green Flag award and are in the running to be the first FE College to gain this in the South-West.
Lowering our Carbon Footprint - Sustainable Development
Over the last three years the College in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy, has embarked on a number of projects (funded by the Centre) that have helped reduce our energy usage and in turn carbon emissions. The details below may provide a little information on what we have completed and the projects currently on-going with many of the ideas originating from the Student Forum, the membership keen to promote such developments.
- The lighting within the main library was replaced with a low energy system
- A light sensor system was introduced into the Centurion Vocational Centre, this will turn off the lights automatically when not in use.
- A more gas efficient boiler was installed within the Horticulture building
- Smart meters were introduced at various locations. We record usage from all Utility meters across each venue on a weekly basis, this helps to identify trends and provides annual usage that can be compared year on year as well as calculating our carbon emissions.
- The College computer Servers were upgraded, this reduces the power usage and carbon emissions.
- The College Refectory is now supplied with biodegradable plates, cutlery etc, this in turn enables the Horticulture department to compost between 8-12 tons of waste per year from here and the Centurion Centre.
- We introduced paper recycling bins within most classrooms as a trial within the main site and Centurion Centre. This has proved very successful with some 10 tons of paper now being recycled rather than sent to landfill. We are looking to expand this to other sites shortly.
- Ink cartridges are recycled.
- Metal from Engineering and other sources are collected and recycled by a local contractor.
- Oils from Engineering, Motor Vehicle and the Refectory are recycled.
- The Animal Care Centre compost all bedding etc
- We attempt to purchase recycled items for Stationery use.
The Student Forum
At a recent Student Forum meeting, it was decided to formally put environmental matters on the agenda as a regular point of discussion. Although the topic has been covered during the last few meetings, this will put it on the map. Student members of the Forum will be able to pass on any suggestions to management and staff from fellow students. This could lead to many new ideas and is a valuable means of drawing on the support of our entire student body. Any ideas you may have for improving the local environment and increasing our environmental responsibility will be gratefully received. Please contact your tutor or a member of the College Management Team for further information.
Norton-Radstock Campus Litter Picking
Over the last two years, the College Site Maintenance Team have been joined on a weekly basis by a band of volunteer student litter-pickers. Many members of staff and the student body have noticed the difference. Each week, the entire campus is covered in this work and any wind-blown or discarded litter collected.
As a result, we are all noticing a remarkable reduction in littering on site; less rubbish is collected each week.
This year, it is proposed that volunteer student litter-pickers be recognized for their work. A fund has been established to pay for an off-site activity as a reward.
New Environmental courses
With an increasing regional recognition for Norton Radstock College's environmental expertise and a local demand for more conservation and environment training, we are pleased to announce that the college has introduced a new range of courses since September 2008:
- City and Guilds Level 1 Land-Based Studies - Environmental Conservation.
- City and Guilds Level 2 National Certificate in Conservation.
- City and Guilds Advanced National Certificate in Countryside Management Level 3.
- Cotswold Dry-Stone Walling short course
- Hedge Laying short course.
- Woodland Management short course.
Environmental Projects
Throughout the year Students are encouraged to get involved in various environmental projects some past projects are detailed below.
The Lifelines Project
In March of 2007, Staff and students on an environmental conservation course at Norton Radstock College were pleased to be invited to participate in a unique environmental project. The Lifelines Project was to be the first full-scale survey of Mendip Dry-Stone Walls ever to be carried out. Under the guidance of Countryside Wardens at the Mendip AONB headquarters, students of the College surveyed in detail over 25 miles of ancient dry-stone walls in the Mendip Hills.
Climbing gorges, hiking across moorland and fighting through dense woodland, these ancient walls were mapped, surveyed for their wildlife value and assessed for their state of repair. In May 2008, the findings of the survey were published as a reference work for environmentalists; staff from the College were presented with copies of the book for their library in appreciation for their participation. Norton Radstock College are to be credited in the book for their contribution to the project.
2007/8 Nestbox Installation
During the Autumn of 2007, volunteer staff and students at the College constructed and erected 47 assorted nesting boxes. 40 assorted bird, bat and dormouse boxes were put up around the College campus and 7 more at a local nature reserve.
Our aim in the autumn of 2008 was to match that number with a further 40 boxes. Once the nesting season was over, a group of interested students carried out an inspection of the year's installations to clean the boxes and check for use. Often it takes a year or so for new habitats to be fully used, so these results will be a useful starting point for future surveys. In May 2008 we took delivery of a further 100 bird and bat boxes that were to be erected by volunteer students on behalf of Bath Parks Department in nature reserves throughout the city. The City of Bath asked for our help in belatedly siting these boxes for them.
Staff and Students Awarded at Nature Reserve Opening
On the 29th April 2008, following two years of work by staff and students of the college, a new nature reserve was formally opened in Writhlington. Local press, Councilors and wildlife experts were on hand to witness the cutting of the tape.
An awards ceremony saw the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to 11 college students for their hard work over the previous few seasons. Over 100 trees were planted, half a tonne of rubbish cleared, 200 metres of path built and information boards researched and designed by students were professionally created and installed. In all, 28 students and 4 members of staff have participated in the transformation of a once-derelict dumping ground into a woodland play area and community nature reserve.
Future students will have the opportunity of visiting the site and helping the community maintain and improve it.
Jack and Jill Went up the Hill
Residents of Kilmersdon who overlook Jack and Jill Hill, scene of the famous nursery rhyme, called on students from Norton Radstock College for their help in September 2008. It seems that the famous hill and its landmark were slowly disappearing under brambles and scrub. A path leading up to the well was also in a state of dilapidation. A swift response by a team of enthusiastic students lead by a member of staff saw the overgrowth cut back and the path and steps repaired to the delight of the local residents and the benefit of visitors.
National Tree Week, Breathing Places
As part of National Tree Week, Breathing Places and its partners encouraged people to plant trees in the Tree O'Clock hour, between 11am and 12 noon on Saturday 5 December 2009. Tree O'Clock was a resounding success, with thousands of events taking place and a significant number of trees planted at sites and in gardens across the country. It was estimated that overall as many as 500,000 trees could have been planted as a result of the initiative - leaving lasting benefits for native wildlife, for people and the environment for generations to come.
Norton Radstock Environmental Conservation students did their bit and planted 38 trees on the college grounds. Thanks to their efforts the college now has a Hazelnut plantation that will be coppiced for timber and nuts in the coming years
Students Plant Trees on the College grounds
