Low Carbon Centre Opening – 22 November 2024

On Friday November 22, our new Low Carbon Centre at the Weybridge campus was officially opened by Dr Ben Spencer, MP for Runnymede and Weybridge and Louise Punter, CEO of Surrey Chamber of Commerce.

The project was made possible through the Local Skills Improvement Fund Programme from the Department for Education and has been developed to offer courses focused on passive technologies such as insulation, building treatments, and air tightness testing. Partnering with industry employers and professional bodies, the Centre will equip the Construction workforce with the skills needed to meet the demands of the green economy.

Representatives from Surrey County Council, Runnymede and Elmbridge Borough Councils and the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIP) were invited to the opening and our industry stakeholder partners and manufacturers; Kingspan Insulation, The Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) and the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA), showcased their products.

Guests were welcomed to the College by Christine Rickets, Principal and Lorne Richardson, Assistant Principal who then introduced the official speakers.

In his speech, Dr Ben Spencer said “I am so proud that we have Brooklands Technical College in our community, so many people benefit, not only for the fantastic courses it offers, not only from the opportunities of learning at all stages, but as an anchor institution in Weybridge and beyond. And of course, it is Brooklands that is leading the way and making sure that that we have the skills for the future – that is so important in achieving sustainability.”

Louise Punter added “The opening of the Low Carbon Centre was a culmination of many peoples’ work and demonstrates the focus that Brooklands Technical College has on meeting the needs of employers. Following a report on the future needs of green skills, published by the Local Skills Improvement Plan and Surrey County Council, Brooklands used funding to address the skills shortage in this area, which will massively benefit both students and employers locally.”

The tour of the centre included the Gravity Fed Rainwater Harvesting System, which collects rainwater from the roof to flush the toilet. Every flush saving 4 litres of clean drinking water reducing carbon emissions by 1kg of CO2e.

For further information about the courses offered at the Centre, please contact adultskills@brooklands.ac.uk