Bishop Burton College launches ambitious Sustainability Strategy
3 Sep 2025 | College
Bishop Burton College has announced the launch of its comprehensive new Sustainability Strategy – setting out an ambitious plan to position the college as a sector leader in climate action.
The 2025-2030 strategy outlines a whole-college approach to sustainability, with a strong focus on environmental responsibility while also addressing the broader social and economic pillars of sustainable development.
The land-based college’s strategy is built around five core areas of action:
- Sustainable Curriculum
- Sustainable Campus
- Sustainable People
- Sustainable Farm
- Sustainable Community
College Principal and Chief Executive Danny Metters said: “This strategy is more than a plan – it’s a statement of intent.
“As a land-based college, we recognise both our responsibility and our unique opportunity to influence the future of sustainability in education, agriculture and the wider community.
“Through this strategy, we aim to lead by example – reducing our own carbon footprint, embedding green skills in our curriculum and inspiring students, staff and partners to take meaningful action.
“Our vision is simple but powerful: Inspiring a Sustainable Future. This strategy lays the foundation for turning that vision into measurable, lasting impact.”
The strategy includes a number of ambitious targets aligned with national and international frameworks, including:
- Achieving net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions (excluding livestock and crops) by 2030
- Achieving net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions (including all operations) by 2035
- Achieving net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2040
- Contributing actively to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Aligning fully with the Climate Action Roadmap for Colleges and the Association of Colleges (AoC) Green College Commitment
These commitments will be supported by robust annual reporting, an evolving implementation plan and the dedicated leadership of the college’s Sustainability Officer, in collaboration with the Executive Team and Board of Governors.
The Sustainable Curriculum strand aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and values needed for green careers and sustainable citizenship. Sustainability will be embedded across all subject areas, alongside extracurricular opportunities and student-led initiatives.
The Sustainable Campus plan focuses on reducing the environmental impact of the college’s East Yorkshire estate through decarbonisation, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, ethical procurement and enhanced biodiversity.
Through the Sustainable People strand, the college will empower staff through training and development, raise awareness of climate issues and encourage all employees to take an active role in sustainability efforts.
On the college’s Sustainable Farm, which plays a central role in teaching and research, students will learn regenerative agriculture practices and how to reduce emissions from livestock, improve soil health and manage resources efficiently.
The Sustainable Community element focuses on building partnerships with local organisations, industry groups and policy makers to share best practices, support innovation and influence positive change at a regional and national level.
Bishop Burton College is currently assessed as operating at the “Established” level of the sector-wide Climate Action Roadmap. With this strategy, it is aiming to move to the “Leading” category within the next five years.
“This is a pivotal moment,” said Danny. “We are not starting from scratch – there is already fantastic work underway across our college. But this strategy gives us the clarity and direction to go further and faster.
“It ensures that sustainability is embedded not just in our operations, but in our identity.”
As part of the launch, the college will host a series of student and staff engagement events in the coming academic year. Progress will be reported annually to ensure transparency and accountability.
Bishop Burton College, based near Beverley, has been delivering outstanding vocational education for more than 70 years.
Its specialist subject include agriculture, animal management, equine and sport.
You can read the full Bishop Burton College Sustainability Strategy 2025-2030 here.
