Sustainable energy

• Air source heat pumps (Medway)

We're switching to sustainable energy sources at our campuses in Maidstone and Medway. It's a crucial step in our ZERO journey and makes sense for a number of reasons: 

1. Environmental Impact: Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. Sustainable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, aiding in efforts to limit the rise in global temperatures and the associated adverse effects.
2. Energy Security: Relying on fossil fuels, especially oil and gas, could leave the College vulnerable to supply disruptions and price volatility due to geopolitical conflicts, market fluctuations, and resource depletion. Sustainable energy sources are more abundant and provide greater energy security as they are less susceptible to these issues.
3. Cost Savings: While the initial investment in renewable energy infrastructure can be high, the long-term operational costs of sustainable energy systems are often lower than those of fossil fuel-based systems. Renewable energy technologies have experienced significant cost reductions over the years, making them increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources. We're fortunate that our Governing Body is forward-thinking in this regard and has approved our initial investment. 
4. Regulatory Compliance and Reputation: Government and regulatory bodies are implementing stricter environmental regulations to curb emissions. By transitioning to sustainable energy sources, the College can ensure compliance with these regulations and avoid potential penalties. We also know that sustainable practices are incredibly important to the communities of Maidstone and Medway, and in particular our key audience of young people. 
5. Job Creation: The transition to sustainable energy sources stimulates job creation in industries related to renewable energy production, installation, maintenance, and research. This can have positive economic impacts at the local and national levels.
6. Ethical Responsibility: The College has a social and ethical responsibility to minimise negative impacts of our work on the environment and society. Transitioning to sustainable energy sources demonstrates a commitment to these values and contributes to a more sustainable future.

Switching to sustainable energy sources is not only beneficial for the environment but also makes sound economic and business sense and we're proud to be one of the first Colleges in the UK to take this step.

Find out more about how we're using photo-voltaic (PV) solar energy, ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps to power our campuses.