Sustainability at SERC

Environmental sustainability is a global concern, but one where local actions have a crucial impact.

SERC’s commitment to sustainability is shown through:

  • Campus developments.
  • Courses to upskill the workforce as changes to how we live will require new processes and new technologies.
  • Opportunities to get involved in eco-communities on campus.
  • Sustainability as a core value in learning and teaching, and as one of the attributes assessed in PBL competitions.
Photograph of SERC Eco Committee members standing outside on campus
Image for SERC's Zero Shop

Zero Shops

You may have already spotted our pop-up Zero Shop at one of our on-campus seasonal markets or at an event. We provide a range of eco-products to help you get what you need while also protecting the environment.
Image for the Suited and Booted initiative

Suited and Booted

Sustainable fashion initiative, taking donations of good quality interview and work clothes and making these available to students. The project helps tackle fast fashion and its destructive environmental impact.
Logo for The Eco Community

Eco-committee

Each year, Eco Committees are formed across our campuses to lead and deliver eco change in college and beyond.
Banner image of the Holywood campus

As businesses, governments and households face the need to develop new ways of living and working, the NI construction industry will need staff with the skills and know-how to support and enable this.

SERC has worked with employers to develop pioneering new qualifications which are delivered at our new Zero Carbon Centre at SERC Holywood Campus.

SERC is committed to meeting our environmental responsibilities whilst maintaining facilities to meet the needs of our community. Actions so far include:

  • Electric Vehicles (EV) — investment in electric vehicles for use in connection with SERC activities, with plans to increase the fleet.
  • EV Charging — 16 EV charging points installed across the four main campuses (Bangor, Ards, Lisburn & Downpatrick) and one at Holywood.
  • PV Solar Panels — PV solar panels installed at three of the four main sites, with a scheme in development for the fourth.
  • LED Lighting — motion-activated LED lighting installed at the four main campuses, with work ongoing to implement full LED lighting across all campuses.
  • Waste Management — all SERC waste currently goes to a recycling facility where approximately 97% of waste is recycled and diverted from landfill.
  • ISO 14001 — SERC Estates Department has an Environmental Management System (EMS) in place and holds full ISO 14001 Environmental Management accreditation.
  • Zero Carbon Centre and Horticulture Facilities — at SERC Holywood Campus, the retrofitted main building is an exemplar of how construction professionals can meet the need for energy security and minimal environmental impact.