Edinburgh College Cuts Carbon
The Facilities Management Journal reports Edinburgh College is undertaking a significant heat decarbonisation project. The goal is to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2030, establishing the College as a leader in environmental sustainability in further education.
Given its scale, the College's energy requirements are similar to those of a small town. However, by replacing fossil fuel systems with renewable technology, notably a 640kW air source heat pump, the College is expected to cut 101 tonnes of carbon annually.
Kieran Walsh, Vital Energi's Operations Manager, said, "This is an ambitious carbon reduction project opting for full heat decarbonisation in a single phase without any reliance on gas… the project exemplifies how electrification of heat can be implemented efficiently with secondary system upgrades.
Nottingham University Looks for a Just Transition
Meanwhile, The University of Nottingham's Institute for Policy and Engagement has initiated a policy commission to examine ways of achieving a "truly just transition to net zero, which is inclusive and fair". Lord Watson, Former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, and Professor Lucelia Rodrigues will jointly chair the commission.
This initiative aims to gather insights from various sectors regarding who benefits from the transition, community involvement, and implementation strategies. Amidst debates about the costs and benefits of climate action, the commission aims to provide recommendations that will garner public and political support.
Lord Watson said, "Regardless of the outcome of the General Election, this will be an issue for any new administration to wrestle with and one where substantive policy inputs from this Commission will be welcomed by politicians of all colours and policymakers of none."
Meanwhile, the university has secured over £70 million to establish new world-leading open-access research facilities to decarbonise transport.
Middlesbrough School Delays Unfair
The delay in building a new school in Middlesbrough has sparked renewed calls for more progress, reports The Northern Echo. Initially approved by Middlesbrough Council in 2018, the Department for Education (DfE)- led construction of Outwood Riverside Academy's new buildings is not yet underway.
The original 2023 opening date was pushed back to 2026. MP Andy McDonald said the school was still not seeing any "meaningful progress". "That is demonstrably unfair on pupils, parents and teachers who, to their absolute credit, have created an environment which has led to Ofsted rating the school as good."
A DfE spokesperson said, "Temporary accommodation was provided ahead of schedule, and additional temporary accommodation will be provided to ensure the council is able to provide sufficient school places."
"We will continue to work closely with the council and [Outwood Grange Academies] trust to urgently progress delivery of the permanent accommodation."