Coleg Cambria unveils £1.5m green campus transformation

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Coleg Cambria is accelerating its sustainability drive with a new wave of investment and environmental initiatives, as it looks to strengthen its position as one of the UK’s leading green further education providers.

The college is preparing to unveil up to £1.5m of improvements at its Yale campus in Wrexham, backed by funding from the Welsh Government and Salix Finance.

The upgrades form part of a broader strategy to embed sustainability across its estates, operations and student experience.

Central to the latest phase of work is the refurbishment of E Block, which houses the new CAMU Welsh language centre.

The project, due for completion in the coming weeks, includes modernised heating and energy systems designed to significantly reduce the building’s carbon footprint while improving conditions for learners and staff.

Alongside this, additional electric vehicle (EV) charging points are being rolled out across all Coleg Cambria sites, including Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi.

The move supports a wider shift towards low-carbon transport, complemented by the college’s growing electric vehicle fleet.

The investment also ties into a large-scale solar energy scheme at Deeside, expected to become operational this summer.

Across its campuses, Coleg Cambria already operates more than 1,300 solar panels, generating over 265,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually, underscoring the scale of its commitment to clean energy.

College leaders say the programme reflects a long-term ambition to integrate sustainability into every aspect of college life, from infrastructure and transport to teaching and community engagement.

Alex Evans, Head of Estates, said: “This is about more than buildings and infrastructure, it’s about creating campuses that are ready for the future and demonstrating to our students that sustainability is something we take very seriously.”

Students are also playing a central role in the college’s sustainability efforts. Each year, learners plant at least 1,500 trees, take part in community litter picks and volunteer with local initiatives such as repair cafés and Incredible Edible projects.

Jenny Prendergast, Health, Safety and Sustainability Manager, said: “We want it to be something our students can see and feel every day, not just something they read about in a strategy document.

Sustainability Specialist Sophie Hughes-Saunier added: “Our students are passionate about the environment and the future of the planet, and it’s important that their college reflects those values.”

Alex Evans said: “By investing in cleaner energy, electric transport and greener buildings, we are reducing our environmental impact and helping to prepare our learners for the future.