We're proud to be named a winner in the 2025 Kent Business Awards, securing the Sustainability category in recognition of the bold steps taken to reduce our environmental impact and operate more responsibly as a major organisation in the region.
The award recognises the College’s long-term commitment to environmental change, driven by its pioneering ZERO project. Launched in 2022, ZERO aims to eliminate carbon emissions from day-to-day campus operations and has already transformed energy use, waste management, travel planning, and biodiversity across both the Maidstone and Medway campuses.
Initiatives include the installation of nearly 
2,000 square metres of rooftop solar panels, introducing electric fleet vehicles and charging infrastructure, and the replacement of gas boilers with efficient heat pump systems served by more than 16 kilometres of underground piping. The College has also removed single-use plastics from catering outlets, increased recycling rates significantly, and introduced wildflower planting schemes to enhance campus biodiversity.
These changes are backed by strong leadership and a culture shift that encourages staff and students alike to adopt more sustainable behaviours. The College’s curriculum has been updated to support this ambition, helping to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to support the green economy in future careers.
Speaking about the award, Martin Peat, Executive Director of Finance and Facilities, who leads the College’s ZERO project said:
"This award is fantastic recognition for the work we’ve done so far, but more importantly it builds momentum for the journey we’re still on. ZERO is about permanent, meaningful change to how we operate as a College. We’ve shown that sustainability can be practical and scalable in a busy working environment, even for organisations as big as ours, and we’ll keep building on that."
Winners of the Kent Business Awards are selected by an independent panel of judges, recognising innovation, impact, and excellence in businesses across the county.
