Inclusive Sustainability in Action: Co-Creating a Net Zero Ready, Accessible Future at Cheadle College
About
From concept through construction and operation, the project integrated inclusive design, sustainable technologies, ethical procurement and community collaboration to support SEND learners, NEETs, care leavers and underrepresented groups. Students and community partners helped shape the redevelopment through consultation, construction engagement, employability programmes and green skills initiatives. The project generated £7m social value return (39% SROI), delivered 171 apprentice weeks, expanded SEND provision, embedded carbon literacy and sustainable construction learning, and created accessible, neurodiverse-friendly spaces. Now operational for nine months, the campus is already strengthening inclusive learning through dedicated outdoor wellbeing spaces, hands-on environmental teaching and positive early indicators in student retention and achievement.
Top 3 learnings
- Embedding DEI into sustainability from the outset creates greater long-term impact.
- Construction projects can become powerful live learning environments for inclusive green skills.
- Strong community partnerships accelerate environmental and social outcomes beyond institutional boundaries.
What would it mean to win?
TSCG winning the Green Gown Award would be a meaningful achievement for our college group, recognising not only what we have achieved so far but also the commitment and collective effort behind it. As a group, we are actively working to support the government’s journey towards net zero, and this award would validate the importance of our contribution and encourage us to keep pushing forward. Our work demonstrates that positive change starts at a local level. We are trying to build sustainability into everyday life across our college community. Being recognised with a Green Gown Award would highlight these efforts, showing that even small, consistent actions can make a big difference. It would also be a huge morale boost for staff and students involved who have dedicated their time and energy to improving environmental practices at TSCG. The award would inspire more people to get involved in our activities, helping to grow our impact and strengthen our shared responsibility for creating a more sustainable future.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
| 16 July 2026 | |
| EAUC |
