Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington has begun a long-term journey to become one of the North’s most environmentally friendly educational institutions.

Contrary to the song by a famous frog, being green is not something that is hard. It often just requires commitment and dedication. Such is the commitment shown by Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College. 

With many accepting the reality of climate change, it is evident that it is more important now than ever to deal with the pressing threat that this poses on the world. Many countries across the globe are taking measures to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, such as transitioning away from fossil fuels or ramping-up recycling/waste management initiatives. 

On a national scale, our country is taking measures to shift us towards a greener future, such as investing in renewables/nuclear power, as well as investing in cleaner transportation (e.g. HS2).  

While knowing what the government is doing across the country, it begs the question – what is the Tees Valley Combined Authority doing for our area on a local level? Well, currently the Tees Valley Combined Authority has laid out a plan it is calling: “Net Zero Teesside” – this project aims to “identify the necessary steps to reach Net Zero in the Tees Valley and produce an action plan setting out how this can be achieved by 2050”.

This strategy is likely the main thing people will think of, when talking of organisations aiming to be more environmentally friendly in the Tees Valley area, however Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form in Darlington is aiming to lead the way for British Educational institutions in the path for public sector industries to move towards a green future. The Assistant Principal, Meirion Baker stated: “As a college, QE is determined to embed sustainability into everything we do. Staff & Students will be working together to: create a sustainability strategy which will reduce our carbon footprint, raise awareness of green issues, and ensure that we play our part in working towards net zero.” 

This plan will coexist with the “Green Group” at the college, which is a partnership of staff and students, working together on sustainability. This plan will formalise QE’s commitment to sustainability and build upon the existing plan and the work of the “Green Group”. 

Overall, this ambitious plan from QE reiterates the importance of everyone doing their bit in society for a greater end goal, and with education establishments contributing for the highest proportion of public sector emissions, this move will be welcomed by the Government in due course.