Bradford College receives £2.6m grant to tackle climate change

Delivered by Salix and run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Phase 3c Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) aims to slash energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

The Scheme targets public sector buildings that still use fossil fuels for heating, hot water, and catering.

In total, more than £530 million of funding is being handed to schools, hospitals, fire stations, universities and other public buildings across the country to help tackle climate change.

With a Bradford College contribution taking the funding total to over £3 million, the project will connect the David Hockney building and Advanced Technology Centre to the Bradford Energy Network by March 2026.

Networks such as this produce heat on a large scale from the same source to buildings that are separated by miles. Bradford has one of the UK’s largest Air Source Heat Pump installations.

Buildings on the Bradford district heating network will benefit from an 85-90per cent reduction in emissions, contributing to a city-wide reduction in emissions of approximately 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the first phase of the network.

Bradford College is one of 189 public sector organisations nationwide that were awarded grants for heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency schemes. Work will also cover improvements to hot water distribution systems, pipework insulation, and emitter and substation upgrades.

Pamela Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College, said: “Bradford College is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. This latest funding will be a huge boost to our decarbonisation strategy.

“Over the last two years, Bradford College has secured nearly £32 million in funding incorporating the PSDS grant. This substantial investment is helping us to build aspirational and sustainable facilities in the heart of Bradford.”

Director of Programmes at Salix Ian Rodger added: “Climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time and we are pleased to be working with Bradford College on reducing its carbon footprint.”

* Find out more about the latest Bradford College Capital Projects news at bradfordcollege.ac.uk/capitalprojects

THE future is bright for Bradford College Ambition [HUB] students who have celebrated achievements at an end-of-year showcase.

Students studying Sport, Travel and Tourism, Early Years and Childcare, Software Development or Performing Arts have presented their year-long projects to an audience of industry professionals, parents, and fellow students.

“I felt proud of our project that we did for the past year. What I’ve learnt from today and throughout is that confidence and teamwork skills really matter for the future,” said Software Development Extended Diploma student, Danish Zubair.

The day ended with a vote of thanks to the incredible employer partners that worked with the staff and students, which included Bradford Bulls, The Great Victoria Hotel, SkillsHouse Bradford, Better Start Bradford, EXA Network, Dance United, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

* Visit the Bradford College website - bradfordcollege.ac.uk - to learn more about the Ambition [HUB] programme.

Students' work will be on display at the School of Art summer show (Image: Bradford College)

THE annual Bradford School of Art Summer Show will wow visitors once again until Friday, June 28.

Student work produced over the last year will be on display at the Bradford School of Art Lister Building in the Dye House Gallery. The Show marks the end of a year of hard work, inspiration, and dedication by students to create a body of work from all creative arts courses, ranging from Level 2 to Level 6. The Dye House Gallery will exhibit work by Fashion, Media Make-up with Special Effects, Visual Arts, and Textiles Practice degree students, alongside multi-disciplinary work by Art & Design and Access to HE students in the Lister Café.

Bradford College offers a range of Further and Higher Education courses preparing students for higher-level learning or employment in the Arts and Creative Industries sector. Visit bradfordcollege.ac.uk/events

The Community Education networking event (Image: Leeds Media Services)

BRADFORD College's Adult and Community department held an 'In Your Community' networking event to mark the beginning of a new phase in community education. Guests included local organisations in Bradford community education, including Bradford Trident, Millside Community Centre and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Adrian Hutchinson, Head of Bradford College Adult and Community Provision, said, "So many students and adults in the area don't have essential literacy, numeracy, and digital skills for the jobs market. By collaborating with local community partners who have insights into these learning challenges, we will be better positioned to bridge this gap."

Adrian introduced a new community learning strategy while attendees were treated to a performance of Romeo and Juliet by some of the College's ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students.