As the realities of climate change grow more urgent by the day, the role of Further Education in shaping a sustainable future has never been more vital. With thousands of young people and adults passing through our classrooms and workshops each year, colleges are uniquely placed to lead a shift in how sustainability and climate action are understood, taught, and acted upon.
At onlyFE, we believe it’s time to spotlight and support the outstanding work happening across the FE sectorand to champion the institutions that are putting sustainability at the heart of their mission.
Climate education needs urgency and innovation
Findings from Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK) have shown that young people want more than just warnings about the climate crisis - they want to understand the world they are inheriting, explore real solutions, and see how these connect to deeper issues such as inequality, energy, and social justice.
Yet, a recent UNESCO report found that almost 70% of global curricula still lack references to climate change. For the UK FE sector, this presents both a challenge and a significant opportunity.
Colleges are at the heart of their communities
Further education institutions are already preparing learners for the green jobs of tomorrow, from sustainable construction to renewable energy, electric vehicle maintenance to circular fashion. But sustainability education must go further, reaching every course and every learner.
This means embedding climate literacy across the curriculum—not just in science or geography—but in business, health and social care, media, catering, and beyond. Colleges like The Sheffield College are doing just that, integrating the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals into teaching and learning, and mapping how existing courses contribute to a better, more sustainable world.
Whole college approaches to climate action
A growing number of colleges are taking a “whole-college” approach to sustainability—ensuring that climate education doesn’t just exist in theory, but is lived and felt across campuses. From clothing swap shops and meat-free days to student-led sustainability groups and environmental officers, these efforts are helping learners engage actively with climate issues.
Staff too have a crucial role to play. Professional development, curriculum resources, and time to reflect are all vital to ensuring educators feel confident to teach about climate change—and to support students who may be experiencing climate anxiety.
Building skills for the green economy
As industries transition toward net zero, colleges must ensure learners are equipped not just with knowledge, but with the practical and adaptable skills needed for a changing world. From journalism students covering environmental issues, to construction students learning about eco-friendly materials—sustainability must become part of the skillset in every sector.
Setting the example
Beyond the classroom, colleges must also model sustainable behaviour—reducing carbon footprints, changing procurement practices, and rethinking how campuses operate. Learners take note of what their colleges do, not just what they say. And in doing so, education providers can become powerful role models within their local communities.
The future of sustainability education lies within Further Education.