Chelmsford College

Project Nexus: Pioneering sustainable education for a greener tomorrow

Bringing sustainability education to life!

Accessible via Microsoft Teams, the Nexus app introduces 8 new sustainability pledges every Monday, detailing carbon savings and comprehensive information. Users stay updated on upcoming environmental days and track their progress on dynamic leaderboards, which highlight the top eco-champions among staff, students, and tutor groups.

As users accumulate points, they earn badges and progress through four levels, from Level 1 to the prestigious Level 4. Reaching Levels 2, 3, and 4 unlocks exciting prizes, motivating participants to continue their eco-friendly efforts.

Project Nexus makes sustainability education engaging and interactive, fostering a community of environmentally conscious individuals.

What the Judges Thought

It is great to see the positive impact the Nexus project has had, by applying an innovative approach to use day to day technology to engage for behaviour change, customised to the needs of the college. Good replicability, and whilst similar schemes exist there are elements that felt fresh and exciting.

If the project is successful in expanding reach (i.e. through JISC) then we would like to see it resubmitted in the future, with evidence of impact and user feedback.

What it Means to Win

“Winning this Green Gown Award is testament to Chelmsford College’s commitment to inspire and motivate students and staff to adapt their behaviour and act in a more environmentally sustainable way.  This recognition strengthens the resolve of the whole college community to integrate sustainable practice into every aspect of college life.”

David Warnes, Principal & CEO

Top 3 Learnings

1. All staff and students can embrace sustainability changes and implement these into the personal and work life.
2. We all play a part in educating the next generation in sustainability, even if it does not directly link to their main study program.
3. No one is too small to make a difference.