Sustainability sits at the heart of everything we do at South Devon College, and we are proud to see one of our valued staff members now chairing the Torbay Climate Partnership.
Matt Green, Head of Commercial Services and Sustainability at the College, has been appointed as Chair of the independent Torbay Climate Partnership and will steer the group towards tackling climate change and ultimately achieving Net Zero with progressive passion and enthusiasm.
As well as heading up sustainability at the College Matt also sits on the UNESCO Geopark Management Group locally and is the current Chair of the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) FE Network of Further Education in UK.
Having been an active member of the Torbay Climate Partnership for 5 years, it was an obvious step for Matt to be asked to take the Chair role. He is instrumental in educating the College community in sustainability and environmental actions and has been a key force in helping the College to achieve various sustainability awards and recognitions, including winning the coveted Green Gown Award for Sustainability Institution of the Year, and being selected as a finalist for International Sustainability Institution of the Year.
The Torbay Climate Partnership was formed in 2021, with key organisations, including public, private, community and voluntary sectors, working together to improve sustainability and creating a green environment across the Bay, with the unanimous aim of working towards creating a net zero carbon Torbay by 2050.
It has a strong vision of ‘bringing together key communities, organisations and businesses from across Torbay to support, guide and bring about action to tackle the climate emergency, build resilience and ensure Torbay’s communities thrive now and in the future’.
“The Torbay Climate Partnership’s Action Plan – ‘Greener Way for our Bay’ – is a coordinated local approach to tackle climate change,” said Matt. “I want to focus on local sustainability, working with key stakeholders to continuously improve our sustainability approach.”
Also a recipient of other awards such as the ‘Beacon Award: Education for Sustainable Development’ and the ‘Planet Saver’ award from Devon Chamber of Commerce, the College is in a strong and responsible position to educate the whole community in sustainable practices.
Matt Green with the College’s Planet Saver award
Sustainability principles are embedded in the curriculum and sustainability leads are appointed within the governor and leadership teams to ensure that this remains a key focus. Students and staff all get involved in the annual Green Week in April, highlighting that everyone has a responsibility to uphold sustainability practices.
With planned goals covering energy efficient buildings, sustainable transport, waste and recycling targets, employment and environmental protection, the Torbay Climate Partnership sets both short-term and long-term objectives to guide Torbay towards reaching the national 2050 net-zero target.
“I am looking forward to engaging with the key stakeholders in Torbay and making the important links with South Devon College, to tackle the climate emergency together, build resilience and ensure Torbay thrives now and in the future,” concluded Matt.
To see how the College approaches sustainability, visit Sustainability – South Devon College
For Torbay Climate Partnership’s Action Plan, visit Greener Way for Our Bay – Torbay Council
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