As part of North Hertfordshire College’s All-Staff Summer Conference, teams from across NHC and Hart Learning & Development participated in the Wenta Action Zero Academy and a sustainability workshop!
Our teams came together at our Hitchin Campus for a chance to learn more about how we can all make small changes and play our part in the fight against climate change. Our staff completed a series of modules led by Michael Martin, Head of Net Zero at Wenta, with a focus on the causes of climate change and how we can mitigate it. Teams also learnt about how to approach conversations about climate change with others – no matter what stage they are in in their own climate awareness journey.
During breakout sessions, our departments were split into groups to discuss how to halve emissions in the College through different initiatives. These plans will now be considered further by senior management to make plans for students, staff, and the local community for a greener future.
Staff who completed the training day will now receive an Action Zero Carbon Literacy CPD certification in recognition of their new knowledge.
The staff conference also featured a keynote speech from Lynne Ceeney, Director of Environmental Sustainability for Hertfordshire County Council. Lynne’s presentation shared details of the work that the council is undertaking to reduce emissions and make positive changes in the face of climate change, bringing the concepts closer to home. To help staff visualise the impact of global warming, keen volunteer Karl Scott from our Supported Studies department bravely stood in a bucket, donned some winter gloves (and an increasing amount of woolly clothes) whilst holding ice during Lynne’s speech. As the layers increased and the ice continued to melt, the ‘sea levels’ in the box rose – highlighting just why it’s so important for us to take action now.
In his call to action, Michael encouraged staff: “Be more confident in having conversations about climate as you take those simple, practical steps. Just turning down the thermostat by one degree and a little less time in the shower make a difference. Pledging to reduce personal carbon emissions demonstrates that NHC’s lecturers, support staff, and senior team are continuing to inspire local young people. It’s heartening to think that among them are our future green leaders.
“The benefits of NHC student placements with us are clear, as are the outcomes of Wenta’s activities over the last 40 years. In partnerships across Herts and nationally, sustainable economic development is a priority. With focus upon reach and impact, we’re thrilled to support the College’s journey towards Net Zero and excited by great staff ideas for more group and community actions.”
Kit Davies, Principal and CEO of North Hertfordshire College, commented: “The conference was thought-provoking, insightful, motivational and, at times, a very sobering reminder of what’s actually happening on our doorstep and across the world with regards to climate change and the impact on our lives.
“This was the first activity on the roadmap to becoming a more sustainable organisation – a journey which will take time, money, perseverance, and commitment – but nonetheless, one which we must start now, even if it’s with small steps.”
Chiquita Whybrow, IT Administrator with North Hertfordshire College, said of the day’s learning: “The conference was a real eye-opener. It made me think about all the ways we can reduce our impact on the environment, both at work and at home. Even though it was a difficult subject, working in teams really made us focus on changes we can make, and I look forward to seeing the sustainability strategy start to make a difference.”
Thank you to Michael Martin, Wenta, and Lynne Ceeney for joining us for our Staff Development Conference and helping to start important conversations!
To find out more about how North Hertfordshire College’s commitment to positive change, please visit our Values webpage.