Selby College student wins regional Sustainability Competition

Selby College student Jacob has claimed the top prize at the Yorkshire regional WorldSkills endorsed Sustainability Action Innovation Challenge, impressing judges with his innovative and impactful CO₂ calculator concept.

Hosted at Wakefield College and sponsored by Steve Frampton MBE SS4E (Sustainability Support for Further Education) and the Renewable Energy Coalition for Academia (RECFA), the challenge tasked students with ‘designing something that will solve a sustainability issue whilst addressing one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’.

Following his win of the college-based heats at Selby College, Jacob represented Selby College to compete against students from Sheffield College, Barnsley College, Castleford College and Wakefield College. Jacob’s winning idea was the ‘CO2 Impact Projection Calculator’ - using a data calculator to show how small pledges of sustainable actions can compound to have a measurable impact and contribute to a more sustainable society.

As part of this, the user inputs their sustainable action into the calculator which quantifies the estimated CO2 saved by the action (multiplied by participants) before displaying the impact of this change to the user.

Jacob’s innovative idea, which addressed three SDGs, and focused who individuals working collectively can make real change and have impact, secured him the top-spot at the competition, awarded by the judging panel consisting of experts in the sustainability field including Alex Miles FIEP, Dr Lou Mycroft FRSA, Steve Frampton MBE and Philip Emsley.

Jacob, Level 3 IT (Software Development & Cybersecurity) student, said: “It felt nice to win, especially because everyone else’s ideas and presentations were excellent. I used data analysis skills learnt in my Software Development & Cybersecurity course at college for this project, which is my favourite part of the course. I’m really interested in sustainability too as it’s the biggest issue that the world is facing today and one that is growing. My project focuses on how we can help people understand the impact of their sustainable pledges and help everyone to hold each other accountable in order to make a real difference.”

Jacob (centre) with Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group (right of Jacob), competition judges including Steve Frampton MBE (second on the right) and Clare Allcock, Executive Director Student Experience and Support and the Group Sustainability Lead at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group (far right).

To decide the final representatives from each College, the five Colleges held internal competitions prior, with each subject department encouraged to get involved.

Clare Allcock, Executive Director Student Experience and Support at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “It was a very special afternoon at the Yorkshire Sustainability Action Innovation Challenge that came to fruition after many months of collaboration with our College partners. Every student and team through the college competitions and the final competition, should be incredibly proud of their contribution. The creativity, innovation and professionalism set an extremely high standard. It’s great to see students so passionate about shaping a more sustainable future and climate action. It was an incredible and memorable experience for all involved and a reminder of why we do what we do to drive sustainability engagement within Further Education.”

The inaugural Yorkshire challenge followed the announcement of the results of the Planet Earth Games Sustainability Competition, which saw Selby College place 9th nationally, while fellow Heart of Yorkshire Education Group colleges, Wakefield College and Castleford College, achieved 4th and 6th place respectively. Wakefield College was also recognised as the highest-performing Tier 3 college in the competition, securing 1st place within its category.

The Group is continuing to focus on delivery of its Climate Action Plan and recognises both the urgent global need to address climate change and the important role education plays in creating a more sustainable future.

To support this commitment, the Group continues to work closely with its suppliers, consultants, students and staff to embed a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility across all areas of college life.

The Group recently launched its Climate Action Plan, prioritises four key areas including the decarbonisation of its estate, biodiversity, climate adaptation and green skills, careers and climate education.

Read the Group’s Climate Action Plan and find out more about how the College and Group is contributing to a more sustainable future here: https://www.heartofyorkshire.a...

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