A new climate change action plan by Dumfries and Galloway College has received a ringing endorsement from local MSP Finlay Carson.
Mr Carson has backed the college’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2030 as well as the innovative and forward-thinking changes set out in the plan.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP has been a firm friend of Dumfries and Galloway College – which has two campuses in Dumfries and Stranraer – since he was elected to Holyrood in 2016 and the college welcomes his continued support.
Mr Carson, who is also the convener of the parliament’s Rural Affairs, Islands, and Natural Environment Committee, has lodged a motion in parliament congratulating the college on the publication of this sector-leading document.
To support the college’s ambition of achieving a 32 percent reduction in emissions by 2024 and eliminating them entirely by 2030, the college has identified a series of key objectives.
Carbon reductions through efficient operations, reducing the negative impact of business travel, reducing waste, a renewed emphasis on green skills and education, developing and maintaining environmentally-minded partnerships and collaboration, and carbon offsetting have all been identified as areas in which the college will continue to go beyond its already excellent record on fighting climate change.
Dumfries and Galloway College is proud of its record on promoting a green vision for the future in its region, and across the country, and this new action plan represents the latest step in this approach.
Mr Carson said:
“I have been continually amazed by the wonderful work being carried out by the college lecturers and its students and always enjoy visiting them to see for myself how they are progressing.
“Their innovative approach in driving down their carbon footprint to net zero by 2030 has to be admired and I sincerely hope other businesses in Dumfries and Galloway will follow this fine example being set by the college.
“The climate change plan demonstrates a great deal of thought and commitment in achieving their net zero ambitions and I look forward to working alongside the college in the coming months to see what progress has been achieved.”
Principal Joanna Campbell said:
“Finlay Carson has been a great friend and trusted ally of Dumfries and Galloway College throughout his time in parliament and we warmly welcome his endorsement of our climate change action plan.
“Mr Carson has shown repeatedly that he shares our commitment to fighting climate change and protecting the wonderful part of the country that we are proud to call home.
“We look forward to working with him, and all our other stakeholders, to get to net zero by 2030 and to go further from there.”