As part of our blog post series for London Climate Action Week, Ajala Agaba details Newham’s journey to becoming a sustainable leader in the Further Education sector.
As London marks Climate Action Week, Newham College is proud to reflect on the progress we have made and where we are going next.
Since setting our carbon baseline in 2020, we have cut our direct and energy-related emissions by over 41% far exceeding the 25% reduction target originally set for 2025. This places us firmly on track to meet our ambition of becoming a carbon-neutral institution by 2030.
Alongside this, we have reduced our energy use by more than a third and nearly halved emissions per £1 million of income. These savings come from practical measures already in place: LED lighting upgrades, low-carbon heating systems, a complete switch to 100% renewable electricity, and the electrification of our operational vehicle fleet.
This progress is being tracked by a newly formed Sustainability Unit that is helping us embed long-term environmental thinking into every aspect of college life.
We are also shaping the future through education. As a lead partner in the Local Skills Improvement Fund’s Green Project, we have helped establish eleven new Green Academies across London. These academies offer training in key areas like sustainable construction, low-carbon technologies, and green engineering.
Newham College has introduced five accredited green skills qualifications for adult learners and has embedded sustainability across all full-time study programmes, so every learner, regardless of subject, builds environmental awareness and capability.
To support progression into jobs and careers, we are currently working to create a dedicated employer sector advisory group focused on the green skills agenda. We also contribute to the regional Green Apprenticeship Advisory Panel, ensuring that learners’ needs and employer expectations help shape future funding, policy, and qualifications.
In parallel, we have introduced more than twenty-two modular micro-credentials in green and digital skills, co-designed with employers, and accredited by OCN London. These flexible courses are enabling learners to quickly gain the targeted knowledge required for modern workplaces.
Our wider transformation includes embedding modern technologies and digital tools into both teaching and operational practices. Immersive VR platforms, AI-assisted learning, and real-time monitoring systems are helping us reduce our environmental footprint while improving the student experience.
All curriculum planning is underpinned by data and aligned with the GLA Green Skills Framework and Local London LSIP priorities ensuring what we teach remains relevant, practical, and responsive to real-world demands.
Our investments reflect our intent. An ECO Bungalow at Stratford has been developed as a dedicated hub for sustainable learning. A new teaching block on the same campus is being built to BREEAM Excellent standards, creating space for five hundred more learners in an energy-efficient environment.
Through inclusive learning, meaningful partnerships, and a strong focus on place-based impact, Newham College is committed to shaping a fairer, cleaner, and more resilient East London.