Our projects go beyond infrastructure. They serve as catalysts for local employment, training, and community investment opportunities, which can leave lasting, impactful legacies. We’ve been working in partnership with Lancaster University, to deliver two major low carbon, energy projects, the Net Zero Energy Project, and the Solar Farm.
Throughout these projects, we have worked closely with students, staff, and local stakeholders on various social value initiatives, to inspire action on carbon reduction, promote sustainable careers, and emphasise the importance of the University’s net zero journey.
So far on the project, we’ve delivered more than 70 hours of engagement with local schools and colleges, sponsored over £3000 towards the Lancaster University Triathlon in support of the St John’s Hospice and Cancer Care charities, hosted and attended 5 career drop ins, in addition to 7 student engagement events, and provided 3 internships to university students.
Looking ahead, we’re planning a range of activities over the coming months, including a tree planting event for students to participate in.
As part of our ongoing efforts to inspire and educate the next generation, we’ve delivered a range of enriching initiatives involving local schools and colleges. In one of our recent sessions, we facilitated a workshop in collaboration with Vital Energi and Lancaster University, for pupils at Central High School. The session was inspired by the book “How Bad Are Bananas? – The carbon footprint of everything by Mike Berners-Lee” and explored environmental impacts of everyday choices. This gave pupils the tools they needed to understand how they can make small changes to lessen their impact.
We hosted a seminar for Lancaster University students to introduce them to careers in the sustainability sector. Our aim is to inspire those who have begun to explore the world of green careers and want to know what it is like to work on projects such as the Net Zero Energy Project. We followed up with a careers drop-in session to network with university stakeholders across the departments. Discussions with our senior construction team, apprentices and graduates centred on collaborative opportunities for students. These could be work placements, upskilling tours or construction phase projects which all help students take their first step towards a sustainable future.
Giving students a sense of ownership and an understanding of the intricacies and benefits of the Net Zero Energy Project was a core part of our pre-construction planning, and our staff have been happy to support multiple drop-in sessions, including the Healthy Living Roadshow at County College. Through showcases of the ongoing scheme, as well as direct access to our project management team, students gained a deeper understanding of the innovative works taking place and the direct impact on campus life. Interactive activities like the “Aim for Net Zero” darts competition made learning engaging, whilst promoting awareness of the project’s significance.
Since 2016, Sport Lancaster’s sprint-distance Triathlon event has been a huge success, and along with sponsoring the University’s “Try-a-Try” Triathlon, three of our colleagues put themselves forward to compete in the event as a relay team. The morning was a great chance for us to help raise money for both St John’s Hospice and Cancer Care. The Sport Lancaster team praised our contributions, noting that the sponsorship of the bike racking, traffic management, and race timing supported the smooth running of the event. They also acknowledged that although the construction works may have altered the route, it is all part of a positive initiative, the Net Zero Energy Project.
What better way to make a mark in the sustainable energy sector than by gaining first-hand experience on the project. In partnership with Lancaster University, we have been offering internships and work placements to give students real-world experiences. The Net Zero Energy Project offers learning and development opportunities for junior engineers, apprentices, and graduates across various disciplines. These early-career professionals can gain practical knowledge of cutting-edge energy technologies, system integration, and sustainable heating solutions, preparing the next generation of engineers and specialists to lead on future projects.
Why do we do this? Because we believe that the next generation is the key to achieving global net zero. Through our partnership, we contribute to a healthier planet, by educating individuals on the importance of eco-friendly living and sustainable careers. We aim to motivate them, giving meaning to their aspirations. By providing access to resources that support sustainable practices and careers, we can guide them in making a meaningful difference.
