English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark celebrates South Devon College's prestigious Green Gown Award for sustainability institution of the Year.

February 18th 2025

The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark is proud to announce that its partner, South Devon College, has been awarded the coveted Green Gown Award for Sustainability Institution of the Year. This significant achievement, presented by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), highlights the College's steadfast dedication to sustainability and its innovative approach aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The judges praised South Devon College for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and its integrated approach to sustainability initiatives. They commended the College for positively impacting not only its campus community but also the wider region and beyond. South Devon College’s ambitious sustainability strategy seamlessly integrates sustainable practices into the hearts, minds, and actions of both learners and staff.

This recognition is a testament to the College’s dedication over the past 15 years to fostering a culture of sustainability. During this time, key milestones in South Devon College's sustainability journey include the opening of the South West Energy Centre, the launch of a Green Travel Plan, investments in solar panels and air source heat pumps, and the construction of the Hi Tech & Digital Centre built to high BREEAM standards.

In addition to these achievements, South Devon College has embraced the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, which are integrated into all aspects of college life with clear markers across the campus to illustrate how each initiative corresponds to a sustainable development goal. The college’s adoption of the 17 SDG’s has transformed the way the college looks at sustainability and has helped to guide them towards this incredible achievement.

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