College's Nuneaton Campus has more than 500 solar panels switched on

"Climate change is recognised by our students as one of their biggest concerns for the future and we take our commitment to addressing this issue very seriously."

More than 500 solar panels installed on the roofs of college buildings at the North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) Nuneaton Campus have been turned on. 

The college says that the solar panels are set to generate around 300,000 watts per year, which will significantly reduce energy costs. 

David Poole, Chief Operating Officer for NWSLC said, “Climate change is recognised by our students as one of their biggest concerns for the future and we take our commitment to addressing this issue very seriously. The college is making its contribution to the drive for Net Zero by implementing a cross-college sustainability strategy and decarbonisation plan which will help our campuses to eventually to become carbon neutral.

“Going live with our solar panels installation at Nuneaton Campus is a major step on this journey and will also help us enormously to reduce our energy costs. Our overall aims include reducing utility costs by 25 per cent by 2025.

“In addition to harnessing clean energy, the college has also used grant funding to install replacement windows, LED lights, and improved insulation, and works are underway to construct an air source heat pump at Nuneaton Campus. The solar panel switch-on marks an important milestone in our sustainability journey.”

In March the college announced the establishment of a Green Strategic Group to bring together best practices from across the college.

Members of the group will function as green champions working together to motivate staff and students and raise the profile of green initiatives and sustainability within the college.