College shortlisted for national sustainability awards brace

Derby College Group has been named a finalist in two categories at national awards which recognise excellence in sustainability across the education sector.

It has been shortlisted for a brace of awards at the Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland 2026.

Its shortlisted projects are Next Generation Learning and Skills, for the Equine Carbon Calculator, and Tomorrow’s Employees, for the UK’s first Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Vaillant.

With the UK needing to decarbonise the heating of more than 30 million homes and businesses to meet Net Zero targets, the Government has set a goal of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028.

But the sector is short of trained installers, with only around 4,500 qualified heat pump engineers nationally as of 2023, against an estimated need for over 50,000 by 2030.

In response, Derby College Group partnered with Vaillant to launch the UK’s first Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship, one of six new Royal Apprenticeships created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

The Equine Carbon Calculator is a free tool developed by Derby College Group with Hartpury College, Sparsholt College Group and White Griffin, adapted from the established Farm Carbon Toolkit, to help equestrian yards, riding schools, event venues, colleges and universities measure and reduce their carbon footprint.

Jon Collins, vice principal at Derby College Group, said: “To be named a finalist in two categories at this year’s Green Gown Awards is a fantastic reflection of the ambition and creativity of our staff, students and industry partners.

“From training the country’s first Low Carbon Heating Technicians with Vaillant, to helping the equestrian sector measure and reduce its carbon footprint through the Equine Carbon Calculator, both of these projects show what’s possible when we combine practical skills with a genuine commitment to sustainability.

“Congratulations to everyone involved, and good luck to them at the awards.”

The winners of the Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland will be announced later this year.