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'Shiny new green college buildings must contain a green curriculum' - UCU

28 March 2008

UCU today welcomed the government's announcement of energy efficient new college buildings.

On Tuesday 1 April the union will press colleges and universities to green their curriculum, not just their buildings, and to develop campus partnerships to help tackle climate change.

UCU president Linda Newman said: 'UCU welcomes the government's commitment to energy-efficient new college buildings and the use of renewable energy in them. No doubt many older buildings can also be made more efficient. It is important that centres of education are centres of best practice in tackling climate change.

'I would also like to see colleges sourcing their needs locally where possible, stimulating the local economy, and developing green transport-to-work plans and other initiatives with college staff unions, students and the local community. UCU is also encouraging the greening of the curriculum: colleges and universities must become key players in informing and equipping the public to respond to climate change.

'I welcome the requirement that firms constructing new college buildings should develop apprenticeships and training for local people. It is natural for this to be done in conjunction with the college itself.'

UCU president Linda Newman will be addressing the annual conference of the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges on Tuesday 1st April, and will outline key ways in which universities and colleges should work with unions to tackle climate change.

Last updated: 11 March 2021

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