Dumfries and Galloway College has joined with universities and colleges around the world to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 ahead of the COP26 summit.
The South of Scotland college has signed-up to the Race to Zero pledge, taken by over 1000 institutions across 68 countries, which challenges colleges and universities to halve their emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.
Dumfries and Galloway College is already on the road to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 by following its recently published climate change action plan.
Race to Zero is an initiative spearheaded by the EAUC – the Alliance for Sustainability in Education and Second Nature, with support from the UN Environment Programme.
By signing up to the Race to Zero, and its other green measures including the launch of its green skills academy, Dumfries and Galloway College looks forward to continuing to work with colleagues in education and across the green economy to ensure the best environmental future for all.
Principal Joanna Campbell said:
“It gives me great pleasure to see our college committing to running the Race to Zero along with our valued friends and colleagues across the world.
“With the eyes of the world about to turn their view to Scotland, it’s important that we as Scotland’s colleges and universities show that we are doing our bit for people and planet.
“I am especially proud that as a college we are already well on the way to not only achieving this target – but smashing it by going net-zero a full two decades early.”
Iain Patton, CEO of EAUC said:
“As anchor, catalytic and cross-sector collaboration builders in our communities, institutions must take on a societal climate leadership role.
“It is our universities and colleges which have to be at the forefront of zero-carbon innovation, researching circular and clean production, teaching green skills and demonstrating innovative fossil-free campuses.
“The profile of universities and colleges committing to emissions reduction and net zero has never been higher.
“But with commitment, comes accountability and the Race to Zero brings this – allowing students to hold their institutions to account.”