Hull College is thrilled to announce that its innovative ‘Rising Tides, Rising Minds’ project has been named as a winner in the prestigious International Green Apple Environment Awards 2024.

This award celebrates the college’s dedication to embedding sustainability within education and recognises its position as a leader in environmental best practices.

The International Green Apple Awards recognise and reward outstanding environmental initiatives across the globe. Hull College’s achievement highlights its commitment to addressing environmental challenges through education, ensuring that both students and staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead in sustainability.

The award was presented to Ranjit Singh, Vice Principal Quality and Learner Experience, and Lynette Leith, Vice Principal Curriculum, at an exclusive ceremony at The Orangery, Kensington Palace on Monday 18th November. This stunning venue, steeped in history as a residence of the Royal Family for more than 300 years, provided a fitting backdrop to celebrate the college’s success.

About the ‘Rising Tides, Rising Minds’ Project

‘Rising Tides, Rising Minds’ is a comprehensive environmental programme that seamlessly integrates sustainability and renewable energy education into curriculum. Developed in collaboration with employers across the Humber region, this initiative combines theoretical training with hands-on, practical experiences, preparing students to tackle real-world environmental issues.

Since its inception, the programme has provided over 2,651 students and 200 staff with invaluable skills in sustainability and renewable energy technologies, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship across the college.

Key Achievements of the Project

The project’s wide-ranging activities and training modules have included:

Sustainability Projects: Students and staff participated in beach clean-ups at Spurn Point and habitat restoration efforts in partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and The Deep, promoting conservation and biodiversity.

Green Energy Laboratory: The college developed a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as wave energy units, air source heat pumps, and hydrogen energy kits. This facility allows students to explore renewable energy solutions through research, experimentation, and practical application.

Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with local businesses and organisations have ensured the programme’s relevance and impact.

Curriculum Development: Practical training in sustainable construction, water conservation, and renewable technologies has been embedded into the curriculum, ensuring students graduate with the skills required for green industries. Other collaborations included providing hands-on training in hybrid and electric vehicles and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to prepare students for the future of transportation.

‍