New College Lanarkshire has opened its COP26 exhibition space in the heart of Glasgow city centre.
And the students are putting the spotlight on food sustainability.
The 11-day pop-up hub on Sauchiehall Street launched yesterday with representatives from Scotmid Co-operative and Iceland sharing their efforts to reduce carbon footprints, boost sustainability in their supply chains, and increase energy efficiency.
Over the next two weeks, NCL’s hub will provide a platform for a series of in-person and virtual events promoting climate-friendly initiatives supported by the college.
Situated on the ground floor of SCVO’s Edward House venue, the sustainable education conference has been timed to coincide with the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).
Scotmid Co-operative’s Yvonne Goodfellow, who is the membership and community manager, opened the event by discussing the history of Scotmid, its work in supporting local communities and charities, trialling food refill stations to reduce packaging, and its use of electricity from renewable sources in its stores.
It was followed by a virtual Q&A session with Professor Christopher Moore, principal and chief executive of NCL, chatting with Stuart Lendrum, head of packaging, quality and food safety at Iceland.
They discussed Iceland’s sustainability issues in supply chains, its ethical decision to stop using palm oil, plus the effects of the pandemic.
The college has recently partnered with the Lanarkshire Larder regional food group to champion use of locally-produced ingredients in its training kitchens, and to support independent Lanarkshire businesses through training and networking opportunities.
Professor Moore told Lanarkshire Live : “Having refreshed our purpose, mission and values as part of our Strategy 2025, NCL is not only committed to reducing our own carbon footprint, but to inspiring our students, staff and stakeholders to become well-informed activists and ambassadors for climate change and sustainability action.
“Our sustainable education conference in the heart of Glasgow city centre aims to act as a meeting place to exchange ideas and share exciting projects taking place within our college and in our community.
“It is our belief that sustainability must be at the heart of every decision we make at New College Lanarkshire, now and in the future.”
NCL is now one of 1050 universities and colleges from 68 countries around the globe to have joined the 'Race to Zero,' which is an initiative led by EAUC - The Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education and Second Nature - with support from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
The college has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2042.
A spokeswoman told us : "Having reduced our carbon footprint (tco2e) by 25 per cent in the academic years between 2016-17 and 2019-2020, our early steps to cut carbon emissions have included a reduction in business miles, a greater emphasis on sustainable travel choices, increased use of recycling, and better energy management practices, including introduction of LED lighting."
To follow events taking place at NCL's hub in Glasgow, head online
* Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
