Devon college scoops national sustainability award

Principal Laurence Frewin said he could not be prouder

A college in Devon has been awarded the Green Gown Award for Sustainability Institution of the Year.

South Devon College in Paignton was recognised for its sustainability strategy and its commitment to action.

Judges said they "appreciated the evolution of their approach to all areas of sustainability" and that their work "not only positively affected those directly connected to the college but their impact extended throughout their region as well as globally".

Laurence Frewin principal and CEO at the college said: "I could not be prouder to tell our students, friends, colleagues and stakeholders."

Now in its 20th year, the Green Gown Awards recognise sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges.

Mr Frewin said the award was "a celebration of all the significant work that the college has been doing for the last 15 years".

The Paignton-based college was recognised for its sustainability strategy

He said: "This is not the end but another milestone on what is a long but vital journey."

In the last 15 years, South Devon College has opened the South West Energy Centre, launched the Green Travel Plan, invested in solar panels and air source heat pumps and it has opened the £17.5m Hi Tech and Digital Centre.