Sustainability is a top priority for the College

We are committed to minimising the environmental impact from our activities. We recognise our corporate responsibility to act in a responsible manner to protect our environment whilst also promoting sustainability issues.

We outline our responsibilities in our Sustainability Commitment Statement, which you can view here.

The College also backed the sector wide ‘Scottish Colleges’ Statement of Commitment on the Climate Emergency’, which outlines 10 key actions colleges will deliver to help achieve Scotland’s Net Zero target. You can view the full statement here.

Commitment to Sustainable Travel

At Forth Valley College, we are dedicated to promoting eco-friendly travel solutions that reduce environmental impact, support local economies, and enhance community well-being. By encouraging sustainable transport options, we aim to create a greener, healthier future for our students, staff, and the communities of Forth Valley.

Help us to make a difference. 

Find out more

Forth Valley College Net Zero Plan 2023-27

The Scottish Government has pledged to end the nation’s contribution to the climate crisis by 2045. Scotland’s colleges are all committed to achieving net-zero by 2040 or earlier.

Forth Valley College have developed this Net Zero Plan to ensure we play a key role in achieving net-zero. Through this plan we aim to reduce emissions to 42% of baseline (2013/14) by 2027/28.

This plan sets out actions and initiatives we will achieve as we transition towards Net Zero. In addition to helping achieve the government’s targets and our aims, it will provide a sound basis for our students and staff to live, support and promote sustainability in their everyday lives.

All areas of the college will have a role in implementation and students will be involved in all aspects. 

You can view our net zero plan 2023-2027 here. 

You can view our progress by clicking here. This summary includes all emissions sources accounted for in the Net Zero Plan’s targets. Forth Valley College also other sources of emissions such as commuting and supply chain emissions, however, this data is based on estimates and as such are not yet included in targets. 

 

Our Sustainability Key Facts

  • Our BREEAM rated campuses are in the top 25% for efficient new builds

  • We cut reported emissions from 2583 tCO2e in 2013/14 to 1360 tCO2e in 2023/24

  • A 16% cut in electricity consumption from 2014/15 to 2023/24

  • A 23% reduction in waste from 2014/15 to 2023/24 

  • A 58% in business travel mileage (all modes of transport) 2014/15 to 2023/24

Green Gown Award Winners 2024

In recognition of our efforts, Forth Valley College – working in partnership with Forth Valley Food Futures and Forth Valley Food and Drink - scooped an award at the 2024 Green Gown UK and Ireland awards.

Green Gown Awards recognise outstanding and exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken in the post-16 education sector across the UK and Ireland.

FVC’s submission focused on their recent work with Forth Valley Food Futures and Forth Valley Food and Drink. The College was one of several case studies who were highlighted within the project, which  helped develop a social impact auditing tool.

The College were also Green Gowns finalists in 2021 and 2023, but just missed out on picking up the top awards. 

College Green Gown Award Submission

Sustainability News

New Milestone for Skills Transition Centre
04th Jun 2025

New Milestone for Skills Transition Centre

New Milestone for Skills Transition Centre
Campus Crafts - Sustainable Textiles for Wellbeing and Ethical Enterprise
12th May 2025

Campus Crafts - Sustainable Textiles for Wellbeing and Ethical Enterprise

Campus Crafts - Sustainable Textiles for Wellbeing and Ethical Enterprise
Skills Transition Centre Approved
17th Feb 2025

Skills Transition Centre Approved

Skills Transition Centre Approved
Green Gown Award success for College
14th Nov 2024

Green Gown Award success for College

Green Gown Award success for College