Askham Bryan College - Sustainability

Staff members have access to a cycle-to-work scheme and can utilize student coach transport, encouraging alternatives to individual car use. Car sharing is promoted when appropriate.

We have installed solar electricity panels (photovoltaics) in several buildings, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Our new Institute of Technology classroom building is carbon neutral, generating more energy than it consumes. Building Management Systems (BMS) control heating and cooling in many of our buildings, maximizing energy efficiency. Additionally, we have installed 12 electric vehicle charging points at our York campus in 2023, catering to staff and student needs and supporting our incoming electric vehicle fleet. The electricity which we purchase is sourced from SSE Energy Solutions and is 100% renewable, sourced from wind and hydro assets.

SSE Energy Solutions

We collaborate closely with contractors to ensure their support for our sustainability goals. Our catering partner, Aramark, utilises veg-based compostable takeaway boxes and works with suppliers actively reducing packaging and focusing on carbon reduction. We have launched a 'Wipe Out Waste' initiative, collecting kitchen food waste for anaerobic digestion and utilizing the Too Good To Go app to rescue unsold food. Furthermore, we are the first in the Further Education sector to implement Aramark's 'Foodprint' program, a carbon footprint scoring system for menus that informs sustainable food choices. Our cleaning partner, RCCN, has transitioned to using super oxygenated water in place of most cleaning chemicals, reducing our environmental impact.

Aramark Sustainability

We adopt an integrated approach to crop and livestock production on the College farm, prioritising environmental management. Our practices are backed by science and proven through experience, aiming for sustainable production while enhancing soil health and biodiversity. Through the Higher Level Stewardship scheme, we confer significant benefits in wildlife conservation, natural resource protection, and landscape maintenance. Designated areas of the campus have been allowed to grow wild, while new wildflower planting areas promote biodiversity and protect natural habitats. Wildflowers provide vital food for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Additionally, we are developing a woodland management strategy in collaboration with a consultant to ensure sustainable management of 28 hectares of woodland. These woodlands contribute to water cleaning, flood reduction, and carbon storage.

We are committed to driving the development of habitat and wildlife conservation. Our initiatives include donating a portion of proceeds from school workshops and animal adoptions to the World Land Trust: Operation Ocelot. Each animal talk, tour, encounter, and school workshop emphasizes conservation messages. Our Wildlife Park shop exclusively offers environmentally friendly products. We actively participate in the Tansy Beetle Action Group (TBAG) to conserve the local tansy beetle. Furthermore, we contribute to EAZA European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs), such as the White-lipped Tamarins.

Tansy Beetle Action Group

We prioritise the reuse and recycling of all electrical and electronic waste. Separate waste contracts are in place to recycle batteries and used light bulbs and tubes. Green waste is transformed into compost and soil improver, while coffee grinds from our food outlets are used by our horticultural department or donated to students and staff for use as a fertiliser which adds organic material to soil aiding drainage and water retention. Our waste management practices ensure that no waste goes to landfill, with waste streams separated at the source to maximize recycling opportunities. Recycling bins are conveniently located across all campuses

Sustainability Statement