We recognise there is a climate emergency. As a central London adult learning community we are responding by implementing a Sustainability Action Plan inspired by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Mayor of London’s ambition for the capital to be a net zero-carbon city by 2030 includes adult education providers setting out plans for achieving net zero-carbon estates by 2030.
Our Estates Strategy has sustainability and inclusion at its heart. We are using automated ventilation and heating, carbon offsetting (through use of solar panels), recycled materials (furniture and building materials), increased cycle parking and accessible design to improve the usability and overall life cycle of our buildings.
These actions in support of sustainability can be seen in practice at our latest redevelopment project at our North Kensington Centre for Skills.
Towards a Sustainability Strategy
Morley is well on the way to becoming an established college as defined by the Climate Commission for UK Higher and Further Education.
We have appointed a Lead Governor for Sustainability and we will focus in particular on the fourth of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – ensuring inclusive education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all – which is core to Morley’s Mission.
This means ensuring that sustainability is integrated in our curriculum and physical learning environment, and that there are meaningful opportunities for students to get involved and help drive the agenda.
A Sustainability Steering Group is overseeing progress in the implementation of our Action Plan, taking forward a defined set of practical initiatives that includes:
- innovation in course design
- innovation in the management of estates and facilities to reduce energy use and waste
- reflecting our commitment to sustainable development in our communications and marketing offer
- encouraging demand for learning about sustainable development and the role people can play in contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Education for Sustainable Development Toolkit
Morley College London led a project in early 2023 to develop new resources for teachers to support them to deliver in every subject area the skills that will enable individuals to address the climate emergency.
Speaking about the motivation behind the toolkit, Morley’s Gerald Jones said: “Right now, the most important transformation educators can help bring about is an understanding of the climate crisis, and what we – as teachers and students – can do to halt and even reverse this crisis.”
Fusion Skills: Education for Sustainable Development Toolkit was published in July 2023 and is available by clicking below.
An introductory briefing featuring Morley’s Gerald Jones is below:
How to get involved
We advocate for “inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.” We want this message to resonate and underpin our college communities with everyone playing their part.
Our next Sustainability Week will take place during in June 2024, and we’d love you to become involved. Email us to express your interest.
You can already tap into a number Morley opportunities to learn about the impact of climate change, including the Morley Radio podcast series Conservation Heroes.
