SWC acknowledges its role as an educational institution in contributing to the global endeavours to mitigate the impacts of climate change for future generations.

In 2023 SWC implemented and embedded Embracing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into all its operations. These 17 Sustainable Development Goals represent a universal imperative to eradicate poverty, safeguard the environment, and enhance the well-being and prospects of all individuals globally.

SWC, as part of the EUCE, recognises the pivotal role universities play in building a culture of sustainability and advancing the SDGs through research, education, and operational practices. Therefore, SWC is steadfast in its commitment to integrating the SDGs across all its activities, thereby contributing to the collective pursuit of a sustainable and resilient future for all.

SWC's Net Zero Action Plan is a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing environmental, social, and economic sustainability within the college in a bid to advance the Net Zero agenda to 2050. SWC aims to lead by example and contribute to global efforts in addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainable development.

To accomplish net zero carbon SWC has embraced the hierarchical principles. The Hierarchical principles for achieving net zero refer to a set of guiding principles that prioritise actions and strategies based on their effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality.

These principles help to ensure that efforts to address climate change are focused on the most impactful strategies and activities. These principals are as follows.

• Avoidance: The highest priority is given to avoiding or minimizing emissions. This includes actions such as reducing energy consumption, implementing energy efficiency measures, and minimizing waste generation.
• Reduction: After avoidance, the next priority is to reduce emissions wherever possible. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources where possible and implementing low-carbon transportation solutions.
• Substitution: Substituting high-emission activities or materials with lower-emission alternatives is another key approach to carbon emission reduction. For example, replacing fossil fuel-based energy sources with renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, or substituting carbon-intensive materials with sustainable alternatives.
• Offsetting: Offset measures are considered as a last resort and should only be used to compensate for emissions that cannot be avoided, reduced, or substituted.

These hierarchical principles will help guide SWC’s decision-making and resource allocation to ensure that efforts to achieve net zero are both effective and efficient. By prioritising actions based on their potential to reduce emissions SWC will combat climate change and transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

SWC is committed to achieving a net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target by 2050 across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, as identified within our current carbon footprint. Additionally, in alignment with local public sector organisations, we pledge support for the Northern Ireland Government's target of a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Specific interim targets tailored to each key area will be established for Scope 3 emissions within the initial 12 months of the Net Zero Plan. Continuous review and adaptation of the plan and associated activities will be undertaken to address unforeseen impacts in the future on a yearly basis.

Attaining net zero carbon emissions presents an ambitious and formidable task, especially considering the climate crisis confronting Northern Ireland. By setting 2050 as our target, we instil a practical, yet achievable date for transformative change throughout the college. This target harmonises with the commitments outlined in our Sustainability Action Plan and aligns with the expectations of our college community.
Several factors will influence the realisation of the 2050 target, including:

• Scope 3 emissions: Scope 3 can account for up to 80% of all emissions. Currently Scope 3 is voluntary for the educational sector. Reporting on and reducing these emissions poses a significant challenge.
• Campus infrastructure: A considerable portion of our buildings are owned in partnership with BES/Resolis which imposes restrictions on building refurbishment and affects decarbonisation efforts. We will continue to work closely with all our partners to progress out 2050 net zero agenda.
• Decarbonization of the Northern Ireland electricity grid: The rate at which the electricity grid decarbonizes is pivotal in campuses which do not have access to renewable technologies.
• Energy security risks: Transitioning to decarbonised energy sources, including intermittent sources like solar and wind, necessitates flexibility in energy supply to mitigate energy security risks.
• Government policies: Evolving international, national, and local government policies and legislative requirements, including taxation and incentives, will shape our approach to achieving net zero emissions.

In navigating these challenges, SWC remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, guided by a comprehensive strategy that encompasses collaboration, innovation, and proactive engagement with stakeholders at all levels.

SWC will implement the Energy Hierarchy as its strategy for mitigating Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions stemming from energy use.

• Be lean: Reduce energy consumption through behavioural changes across campuses. Implement control measures, enhance system efficiency, improve building fabric (See Passive House), and upgrade lighting systems.
• Be clean: Transition to decarbonised electric sources. Supply energy efficiently and use efficient technologies for our buildings and assets.
• Be green: Power buildings and assets using renewable energy sources.
• Offset: Compensate for any remaining carbon emissions through offsetting mechanisms or carbon sequestration initiatives.

Key interventions include:

• Replacing fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LED fittings.
• Upgrading building fabric, glazing, and insulation as needed.
• Reviewing and, where feasible, replacing heating systems with low to zero carbon alternatives.
• Installing photovoltaic panels where possible across the college estate.
• Enhancing metering and data management systems.
• Procuring renewable energy (green electricity & green gas) to replace fossil fuel-based supplies whenever possible.

Through the implementation of these interventions, SWC aims to significantly reduce its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, ultimately working towards the attainment of net zero emissions by 2050.

Using the Scope 1, 2 and 3 Sustainability Projects found in our Sustainability Action Plan, we will implement the following as our Net Zero Signature Projects for 24/25.

• Sustainability Induction Module Implementation: Develop a comprehensive sustainability induction module tailored for both staff and students, encompassing the UN Sustainability Goals and Carbon Literacy. This initiative will foster a culture of sustainability awareness, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to contribute to carbon
  reduction efforts, thus advancing the institution towards its Net Zero targets.
• Sustainability Marketing Campaign: Launch an integrated campaign to foster sustainable behaviours among students and staff members. By promoting eco-conscious practices and highlighting the importance of reducing carbon footprints, this campaign will directly contribute to mitigating environmental impact and aligning with Net Zero objectives.
• Biodiversity Enhancement: Enhance biodiversity across all campuses by leveraging existing infrastructure and establishing designated wildflower areas. By creating habitats that support diverse ecosystems, this initiative contributes to carbon sequestration and ecosystem services, playing a vital role in achieving Net Zero by restoring natural carbon sinks.
• Baseline Energy Usage Data Collection: Undertake the systematic collection of baseline energy consumption data to monitor progress towards achieving zero carbon targets. By accurately assessing energy usage patterns, the institution can identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to reduce energy consumption, thereby advancing towards Net Zero.
• Recycling Initiative Implementation: Execute comprehensive recycling programmes across all campuses to mitigate waste generation and promote the ethos of reuse. By diverting waste from landfills and reducing the demand for virgin materials, this initiative conserves energy and resources, aligning with Net Zero principles of waste minimisation and resource efficiency.
• Carbon Baseline Establishment: Establish transparent baseline data for carbon emissions to facilitate ongoing monitoring towards achieving net-zero status. By quantifying emissions from various sources, the institution can set realistic reduction targets and track progress towards Net Zero, guiding strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
• Local School Outreach Programme: Engage in outreach programmes with local schools, offering workshops to disseminate sustainability principles. By educating future generations and fostering a culture of sustainability from an early age, this initiative ensures long-term behavioural change and empowers communities to contribute to Net Zero goals.
• Promotion of Electric Vehicles: Install electric vehicle charging points to encourage the adoption of sustainable transportation methods. By facilitating the transition to electric vehicles, this initiative reduces greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, thus aligning with Net Zero objectives to decarbonise the transport sector.
• UN International Days Celebration: Organise events to commemorate various UN international days centred around sustainability. By raising awareness and promoting dialogue on global sustainability challenges, these events inspire collective action and reinforce the institution's commitment to achieving Net Zero in alignment with international goals.
• Campus Food Pantry/Garden Initiative: Establish a campus food pantry or community garden to alleviate food insecurity among students and staff. By promoting access to locally sourced, nutritious food options and reducing food waste, this initiative supports sustainable food systems and contributes to Net Zero by minimising the carbon footprint associated with food production and distribution.
• Fitness and Wellness Programmes: Promote physical and mental well-being through structured fitness regimes and stress management initiatives. By encouraging active lifestyles and holistic wellness practices, this initiative enhances individual resilience and productivity, fostering a sustainable campus community conducive to achieving Net Zero objectives.
• Energy Conservation Awareness Campaign: Raise awareness on energy conservation through targeted campaigns and energy-efficient building designs. By encouraging energy-saving behaviours and implementing sustainable infrastructure solutions, this initiative reduces carbon emissions and advances the institution towards Net Zero by optimising energy use and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Sustainable Infrastructure Upgrades: Upgrade campus infrastructure with sustainable technologies and design principles. By investing in energy-efficient systems and renewable energy solutions, this initiative reduces carbon emissions associated with building operations and supports the transition towards Net Zero by creating more sustainable built environments.
• Promotion of Sustainable Transportation: Advocate for sustainable transportation options such as cycling infrastructure and carpooling schemes. By reducing reliance on fossil fuel-dependent modes of transport, this initiative lowers carbon emissions and improves air quality, thus contributing to Net Zero goals by transitioning towards more sustainable and low-carbon transportation systems.

Energy Management: The broader Energy Management initiatives fall under SWC’s Energy Management plan. The aim is to successfully reduce the College’s overall energy consumption with the aid of an effective energy monitoring system.
The objectives as outlined in the policy are to:

• Reduce, where possible, energy consumption and promote energy conscious behaviours throughout the College.
• Minimise resultant carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and lower the College’s carbon footprint using annual carbon reporting of scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions Year 1 as a benchmark.
• Establish, implement and maintain energy monitoring and measurement procedures to ensure ongoing meaningful measurement.
• Work towards an agreed approach for setting and publishing relevant, clear and understandable annual targets for energy consumption whilst monitoring performance against benchmarks.
• Raise awareness of the College’s approach to energy-management and promote energy saving practices among staff and students.
• Strive to maximise the amount of renewable energy (both electric and heat) that is being generated onsite, and which is being used to help meet the College’s overall energy requirements.
• Procurement decisions should, where possible, factor cost-savings from energy-efficiency over the lifetime of a good/asset in addition to the up-front investment.

Beginning with the creation of this policy, SWC will follow the below road map to start its journey to Net Zero.

• Establish a Net Zero Action Group / Completion of Net Zero Action Plan (In Progress): Transform the existing Sustainability Implementation Group into a dedicated Net Zero Action Group, tasked with spearheading the college's efforts towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
• Conduct a Comprehensive Carbon Audit / Baseline: Undertake a thorough carbon audit to assess SWC's current carbon footprint across all emission scopes, including direct and indirect emissions, in line with UK and Northern Ireland legislation on climate change.
• Set and implement Ambitious Net Zero Targets: Develop ambitious, science-based net-zero targets aligned with UK and Northern Ireland legislative requirements, ensuring that SWC contributes effectively to national and regional carbon reduction goals.
• Prioritise Carbon Reduction Initiatives: Focus on prioritising carbon reduction initiatives across all aspects of college operations, guided by the findings of the carbon audit and in alignment with the newly established net-zero targets.
• Invest in Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Technologies: Allocate resources towards investing in renewable energy infrastructure and low-carbon technologies, leveraging funding opportunities available through UK government initiatives and Northern Ireland's Renewable Energy Action Plan.
• Enhance Industry Collaboration: Strengthen collaboration with industry partners through initiatives like CREST, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange in sustainable technologies to accelerate progress towards net-zero emissions.
• Further integrate Sustainability into Curriculum via Carbon Literacy.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Foster a culture of sustainability among students, staff, and stakeholders by promoting sustainable practices such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable transportation options across campus.
• Monitor and Report Progress: Implement robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms like our Sustainability Reporting to track progress towards net zero, ensuring transparency and accountability in achieving carbon reduction targets.
• Engage with the Community: Engage with the local community to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of carbon reduction, fostering partnerships and collaborative initiatives to address sustainability challenges collectively.
• Continual Improvement and Adaptation: Commit to continual improvement and adaptation in sustainability practices, regularly reviewing and updating strategies and initiatives to remain responsive to evolving legislative requirements and emerging sustainability opportunities.

By following this 11-step path to net zero, SWC can effectively navigate the complexities of carbon reduction and contribute significantly to the collective effort towards combating climate change while fulfilling its obligations under UK and Northern Ireland legislation.