WESTON COLLEGE INVESTS NEARLY £10 MILLION IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PROJECTS

WESTON COLLEGE INVESTS NEARLY £10 MILLION IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PROJECTS

Green technologies are at the forefront of a new £10 million building project at Weston College which is a leading National Skills Environmental Academy Hub.

Directors have embraced cutting edge Green Technology with a rainwater harvesting system, woody biomass boiler, solar thermal array, ground source heat pump and solar photovoltaic system costing more than £165,000.

Weston College Building Services and Environmental Technology Manager, Chris Simpson, said: "Weston College will cut its carbon footprint and be a driving force behind the provision of environmental technology training in the South West of England."

Part of the programme will also see a £300,000 sustainable detached eco- house built for students and visitors.

It will provide a practical understanding about how environmental and renewable technology can transform the construction and retro-fit industry.

Chris added: "We anticipate that the carbon footprint of this property will be reduced from 15.4 tonnes of CO2 (UK National average) to 12.68 tonnes per annum per person.

"Clients and customers are increasingly aware of the importance of alternative Green Technologies to future business planning with changing Government priorities and funding.

"Our investment will continue to develop our Centre of Excellence provision based on our exemplary success to date."

Weston MP Mr John Penrose launched the three-stage redevelopment of College's South West Skills Campus (SWSC) on Locking Road in May.

It includes a £3 million refurbishment of the Hub building, which is scheduled to be completed by February 2013, and will house an employment skills centre to aid people back into work.

A further £6 million will be spent expanding the Business Enterprise Centre by creating a two-storey block in three phases.

A temporary building will be home for staff and students while building work is undertaken and a new all-weather sports surface will be built costing £770,000.

Weston College Principal and Chief Executive Dr Paul Phillips OBE added: "Our aim is to offer students and staff wonderful state-of-the-art facilities with the very best sustainable standards."

In 2010, the CECE won a 'National Training Award' for the South West of England.

It delivers training in a wide range of construction occupations including, plumbing, electrical installation, carpentry, trowel trades, painting, decorating, plastering, property maintenance, as well as renewable energy courses and apprenticeships. 

The CECE holds specialist workshops for training electricians along with bespoke brickwork and carpentry workshops and has a resource-based learning centre with online learning available.

The CECE is also a test centre for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and health and safety card.

There is a 100 per cent success rate for Level 2 qualifications with around 70 per cent of CECE students finding work in industry while others enhance their DIY skills.

To find out more about courses at Weston College call 01934 411 481 or go to www.weston.ac.uk