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Southern Regional College has earned a Silver award in the 2025 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey, run by Business in the Community Northern Ireland.
The result, an improvement on the College's Bronze in November 2024, reflects advances in environmental management, performance and the integration of sustainability across strategy and day-to-day operations.
Since the previous review, the College reports cutting energy consumption and investing in low‑carbon infrastructure, including a £210,000, 435 kW solar photovoltaic array at the Newry East campus. More than £300,000 has also been committed to LED lighting, low‑pressure hot water upgrades, building‑management system enhancements and additional electric vehicle charging points.
Sustainability has been further embedded in teaching and engagement. During the review period, 60 senior leaders completed Carbon Literacy training, the Students' Union elected three Sustainability Officers, and activities such as the Sustainability Fair, Cultural Diversity Day and the My World My Home programme supported climate action among students and staff.
The College's agenda also spans social value, wellbeing and inclusion. Through the GoodforMeGoodforFE campaign, staff and students continued fundraising for charity partner Alzheimer's Society, volunteered with community organisations and donated food, warm clothing and toys to local groups and foodbanks.
Practical assistance for learners included the Educational Eats initiative, which provided 31,400 free breakfasts and 8,738 free lunches during the 2024/25 winter term, alongside the distribution of Winter Wellness Packs to students in need.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College commented: "Our progress this year shows what is possible when sustainability sits at the heart of the College community. From cutting our carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy to embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals across our curriculum, staff development and student experience, we are changing how we teach, learn and operate for the better. Achieving a Silver award in the Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey is a proud milestone, but it is also a stepping stone as we accelerate in our journey towards becoming sustainable."
