Hull College is proud to announce that it has been named a winner of the Green World Awards 2025 in recognition of its environmental education initiative, ‘Rising Tides, Rising Minds’.

Organised by The Green Organisation - an international, independent, non-political, and non-profit environmental group - the Green World Awards celebrate outstanding sustainability practices from institutions and businesses worldwide.

‘Rising Tides, Rising Minds’ is a transformative educational training programme designed to equip students and staff with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address environmental challenges in the Humber region. As one of the UK’s highest-risk areas for climate-related flooding, Hull faces unique environmental challenges. This initiative integrates sustainability and renewable energy education into the curriculum, preparing learners to combat climate change and drive industrial decarbonisation.

To date, the programme has successfully trained over 2,650 students and 200 staff, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. By working closely with over 100 leading businesses, Hull College has ensured that students not only learn about sustainability in theory but also gain hands-on experience through community-based environmental projects.

By addressing the urgent need for sustainable education in a high-risk area, the college has helped mitigate local climate threats and set a benchmark for other institutions who aspire to embody resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a greener future.

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.