Bedford College Group cuts carbon emissions 20% in a year, 43% since 2018-19 despite estate growth

Bedford College Group reduced its carbon emissions by 20% in the 2025-26 academic year, bringing annual output to 2,131 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. That is a 43% cut since 2018-19, even after adding Central Bedfordshire College and The Corby Sixth Form to its estate. On a like-for-like basis, emissions are down 56%. The group says the reductions come from sustained investment in energy efficiency and sustainable practices across campuses in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. It is also embedding green skills into courses, including low-carbon construction, EV technology, and sustainable procurement, so graduates are ready for the green economy. The full Carbon Reduction Plan is published on its website.