New Education & Community Sustainability Group set up by Bedford College's Esin Esat
Schools and specialist groups came together at Bedford
College on Monday 19 October to work together on saving energy -
and saving the planet.
For educational organisations,
joined up thinking about sustainability is now assessed as part of
Ofsted inspections, so it is vital they play a part.
"Sustainability cannot be
successful in isolation, we all need to be working together," says
Bedford College's Director of Sustainability Esin Esat.
"This network has attracted
interest from a range of organizations including councils, and we
are working towards a showcase event on 22 March 2010 which will
really show that Bedford College and schools in Bedford, Luton and
Central Bedfordshire are committed to going green together.
“Combining the work of education
organisations with the genuine commitment and determination of
local councils and local community groups will really help drive
the low carbon agenda and make a real difference.”
Among the organisations
represented at this event were Biddenham Upper School, St Johns
School, Wildlife Trust, Transition Bedford, Bedfordshire Climate
Change Forum, Bedford Borough Council, Beds Environmental Education
Service and BTCV, with strong commitment expressed by many other
schools as well as Luton and Central Bedfordshire Councils.
Esin Esat is Bedford College's
Queen of Green. Her leadership in eco issues has meant the College
plays a pioneering role in
sustainable activities on
and off campus. The College continues to share its achievements
with other colleges across the UK and in the coming
months Esin will be delivering presentations at eight events
organized by the LSC (Learning and Skills Council), NIACE (National
Institute of Adult Continuing Education) and ACER (Association of
Colleges in the Eastern Region).