Go Green Week launches with bold action and community impact at Derby College Group

Credit: DCG

The first week of March 2026 marked Go Green Week, bringing with it a powerful programme of events, challenges and community initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact and celebrate sustainable action across the college.

From city centre clean-ups to green careers inspiration, Derby College Group placed sustainability firmly at the heart of college life, encouraging students and staff alike to take practical steps that make a real difference.

Go Green Week reflects the college’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility, embedding sustainable thinking not only in curriculum and campus operations, but also in everyday behaviours.

Mollie Cox, Environmental and Sustainability Officer, said: “Go Green Week is about showing that sustainability is not a separate agenda; it is part of who we are as a college community. Every small action matters. Whether that is travelling more sustainably, reducing waste or learning about green careers, we want our students and staff to feel empowered to take ownership of the future.”

A highlight of the week was the Go Green Fair, delivered in partnership with the University of Derby at the Cavendish Building. Students were able to explore more than 25 stalls showcasing local green organisations, attend 20-minute keynote sessions focused on green careers and sustainability projects, and experience the University’s new Cavendish Building, designed to meet net-zero carbon standards using low-carbon and recycled materials.

The event offered a unique opportunity for students to connect environmental awareness with future career pathways, while also experiencing university life and sustainable building design in action.

Students and staff also stepped out into the community for the big Derby clean-up and nature walk, supporting local green spaces across Derby city centre.

The clean-up took participants through hidden green areas alongside Markeaton Brook, finishing near the Joseph Wright Centre and was a hands-on opportunity to improve local environments while reinforcing the value of civic responsibility and collective action.

Across campus, the library team hosted pop-up stalls demonstrating how libraries actively champion sustainability through reducing waste, encouraging reuse and promoting environmentally responsible learning resources. Sessions highlighted the everyday ways in which sustainability is already embedded within college services.

Staff were encouraged to take part in the green action challenge, demonstrating how they are incorporating sustainability into their daily lives. From travel choices to consumption habits and time spent connecting with nature, the challenge aimed to showcase positive behaviours and inspire others.

Adding a competitive edge, Derby College Group has been taking part in planet earth games, going head-to-head with further education colleges across the UK. Students have had the opportunity to earn points for the college by completing quick, accessible, sustainable activities, logging their actions online and contributing to a collective effort that raises awareness while keeping environmental action engaging and inclusive.

By combining education, community engagement and practical action, Go Green Week sought to demonstrate how environmental responsibility can be both inspiring and achievable.

A statement said: “As activities unfold across campuses and within the wider community, the message is clear. Sustainability is not just a theme for one week. It is a shared responsibility and a defining priority for Derby College Group.”