Borders College
From Carbon to Culture: Embedding Sustainability Across Borders College
Finalist, 2030 Climate Action
About
Borders College published its new Sustainability Strategy at the start of 2026, setting out a clear framework for action through to 2030. Building on the success of its sector-leading 2020–2025 strategy, the new plan increases both scope and ambition while aligning closely with the College’s wider Vision 2030. It highlights significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and commits to further improvements through realistic, measurable targets across all areas. The strategy introduces more efficient delivery structures, including strengthened working groups, and expands focus areas to include climate change adaptation, reflecting priorities which have emerged since the previous strategy. Importantly, in the context of financial pressures across the Scottish college sector, the approach prioritises embedding sustainability across all operations. Emphasis is placed on developing skills, curriculum integration and teaching, equipping learners and staff with the knowledge needed to support a just transition, rather than relying primarily on costly capital projects.
Top 3 learnings
- Ambitious ideas need to be backed up by clear, realistic goals for action.
- Taking time to celebrate our successes and learn from shortcomings was central to improving practice.
- Successful planning needed buy-in from senior management and stakeholders from across the College.
What it would mean to win
Winning a Green Gown Award recognises the collective hard work across Borders College to embed sustainability in everything we do. By working together, we have ensured that sustainability sits at the heart of the College’s overall vision, goes well beyond reducing emissions and is embraced by our staff and their teaching.
SDG
| 2026 | |
| 2030 Climate Action | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
More from the 2026 awards
Charles Sturt University
Restoring Nature, Inspiring Futures: 20+ Years of Biodiversity Leadership
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Finalist, Nature Positive
Green Gown Award Regions
Australasia
