We are a triple finalist in the Green Gown Awards

We have been shortlisted as a finalist in three categories at the prestigious EAUC Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education’s Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland 2025 - a national celebration of sustainability excellence in education.  

The College has been recognised in the Campus Health, Food and Drink category, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability and the Student Engagement category. 

As well as other sustainable catering innovations, the College’s catering team introduced energy-efficient air fryers, removing deep-fat frying from menus to promote healthier, lower-carbon meals. This simple switch has cut waste, reduced energy use, and sparked a culture of sustainable food innovation across campus. 

Reloved Boutique, run by staff from the College’s Learning for Living and Work department and learners with additional needs, provides retail and employability experience in a real shop setting. Since its launch in November 2024, it has diverted over 1,000 items from landfill and raised more than £3,000 for local charities Barnsley Mencap and Barnsley Hospice, redefining inclusive sustainability education. 

The College’s Apprenticeships Team have been recognised for embedding ‘futureproof’ Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into apprenticeship programmes through interactive ‘escape room’ sessions, Carbon Literacy training, and real-world learning.  

David Akeroyd, Principal and CEO of Barnsley College, said: "These nominations earning us three finalist positions in such prestigious sustainability awards are a fantastic reminder of how far we’ve come in our sustainability journey so far. From innovative teaching to inclusive enterprise, our staff and students continue to lead the way in embedding sustainability into everything we do.”