Sustainability – Our Journey to Carbon Net Zero

Join Coleg y Cymoedd on its journey to carbon zero, as we work to make futures brighter and greener, recognising our part in the local community and beyond to protect our planet.

Our Ambition: Carbon Net Zero by 2030

The UK Government has committed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Coleg y Cymoedd pledges to deliver carbon net zero much sooner than this and is aiming to deliver carbon net zero across all our campuses by 2030.

Find out below the projects and steps we are undertaking as a college to make this happen.

Our Projects

Sustainability Strategy

With our Sustainability Strategy: Every Day, Every Decision, we encourage everyone to think about their choices, understanding that every decision – big or small – can help us achieve our goal of being carbon net-zero by 2030.

Our commitment includes offering carbon literacy training to our staff and learners, facing challenges head-on, and supporting green initiatives both inside and outside our college.

We aim to lead by example, demonstrating fair and responsible behaviour, listening to our college communities, being transparent about our challenges, and celebrating our progress according to our action plans.

Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/fG1lqfy0mco?si=mYjlKA9sm8kj7Pq0

Biomass Boiler

Our Nantgarw campus features a 240KW biomass boiler that leads our entire system using underfloor heating. We efficiently power the campus with locally sourced renewable wood chippings.

The system works by transferring heat from buring the biomass to water, which then circulates to provide warmth.

Each year, this impressive boiler produces around 350,000KWH of energy, enough to power nearly 100 UK homes.

By using this green energy source, we save an incredible 179,000KG of CO2 annually, which would otherwise come from fossil fuels or gas boilers.

Flood Mitigation

For all new builds, flood mitigation measures are essential and required under planning consent. We’ve integrated these measures across several of our sites, including our Nantgarw Sports Centre, Aberdare main block, and two blocks at our Ystrad Mynach campus.

Our flood mitigation strategies are designed to be both effective and eco-friendly. They include rainwater harvesting, swales, lagoons, and rain gardens. These features help manage rainwater on-site, allowing it to naturally seep into the ground. This approach not only reduces the risk of flooding but also supports the local ecosystem by preventing surface water drainage systems from becoming overwhelmed.

Weather Stations

Our weather stations track the degree days for each of our four campuses, which helps us compare local average temperatures year over year. This data is crucial for measuring energy usage and carbon emissions annually.

Simply put, a colder winter means higher energy consumption, while a milder winter results in lower energy use.

PV – Photovoltaic Panels

Photovoltaic panels capture and convert sunlight into renewable energy, providing a clean and sustainable power source.

Each year, our PV installations across the college estate generate an impressive 48,000KWH of energy.By using this green energy source, we save an incredible 179,000KG of CO2 annually, which would otherwise come from fossil fuels or gas boilers.

Ecology Site

We proudly maintain a biodiversity site at our Aberdare campus, which is home to the rare Marsh Fritillary Butterfly.

We ensure the butterfly’s habitat thrives through thoughtful grazing and land-management practices, preserving the unique flora and fauna that attract these beautiful creatures.