Burnley College to launch net zero support hub

Burnley College has secured government funding to create a Low Carbon Hub which will provide training and the latest insights to businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

The department, to be located at the college's Princess Way Campus, will be open to small and medium-sized employers from across the region. It will help develop an understanding of the business incentives and the need to become more environmentally aware and how they can make necessary changes.

It is specifically aimed at supporting businesses to develop a low or net-zero carbon plan, unlocking future opportunities and markets; create a highly-skilled and motivated workforce and create new jobs.

The three key areas will be behavioural change, energy management, and the introduction of technology and monitoring systems.

Neil Burrows, assistant principal for employer engagement at Burnley College, said: "We are delighted to be leading the way with this exciting project which will give Lancashire businesses a headstart in the nation’s Green Revolution.

"There is no doubt whatsoever that every business will have to adopt sustainability measures to survive going forward as supply chains and customers demand to see what environmental controls their suppliers have in place. We were determined to bring this cash to Burnley and create the ultimate ‘one-stop shop’ where employers can find out everything they need to know in one place."

The funding has been allocated through the government's Strategic Development Fund (SDF). Burnley College’s SDF project forms part of a wider bid led by The Lancashire Colleges and is supported by Blackburn College, Lancaster and Morecambe College and West Lancashire College.

As part of this collaboration, Burnley College is also supporting an SDF project to upskill the construction industry in creating carbon zero homes; installing air source heat pumps; conserving fuel and power in existing homes and developing renewable options and offsets for zero carbon.

Neil added: "Lancashire led the way in the Industrial Revolution. We will lead the way once again in the Green Revolution. As a county, we have a workforce who are thirsty for new skills and knowledge and employers who are not afraid to lead the way in embracing new technologies and working practices.

“The Sustainability Centre of Excellence for business at Burnley College will be the first of its kind in the red rose county and we can’t wait to play our part in making a difference – to the region’s future prosperity and to the future of our planet.”