Dundee & Angus College Launches Climate Engagement Project

As part of Scotland’s Climate Week, 23^rd to 29^th September, Dundee & Angus College is excited to announce the launch of their new climate project, ‘Sunrise Solutions’, an initiative supported by the Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund.

This year’s climate week theme is ‘Stories for Change,’ focusing on celebrating and promoting climate action. During this national week, Dundee & Angus College plans to raise awareness about climate issues, involve the local community, and show its support for Scotland’s Net Zero goals.

The Sunrise Solutions project will help students understand climate issues better by including climate awareness in their studies. It will also involve staff and students in discussions about the environment, working with experts like Home Energy Scotland and our Multiply and Academic Development teams. The project will provide educational resources that everyone can access and host resources which will be shared far and wide. The community-focused approach will help residents understand climate challenges and offer resources to encourage meaningful action.

The College is leading efforts to raise awareness and inspire action on climate issues by incorporating climate literacy into the curriculum, aligning with broader sustainability goals and the Scottish Government’s Public Engagement Strategy for Climate Change and connecting our initiatives with the national agenda, both on campus and beyond.

Julie Grace, Vice Principal, Dundee & Angus College, said: “The ‘Sunrise Solutions’ project is a key step forward for Dundee & Angus College. It’s exciting to see the integration of climate awareness into our curriculum through the involvement of our students and local community. By supporting Scotland’s Net Zero goals and preparing our students to tackle environmental challenges, we are making a real difference. I am incredibly proud of what we are achieving together and the meaningful steps we are taking towards creating a more sustainable future.”

The project aims to give students practical experience by connecting their learning to real-world climate and energy challenges. Four student groups will create materials showing how climate, energy, and household finances are related. Students will build skills in innovation and community engagement, preparing them to address future environmental issues with confidence and creativity. Students will also be offered climate awareness packages as part of their social education and wider achievement opportunities.  

Dundee & Angus College is dedicated to preparing students to become future workforce and business leaders with a strong focus on societal and climate issues. By taking part in the project, students will learn more about sustainability and apply this knowledge in their future careers. As they adopt and promote sustainable practices, they will inspire others and create a lasting impact on their industries and communities, fostering a culture of environmental care for future generations.

Mairi McKinnon, Curriculum Project Lead, said: “I’m very excited to be involved in this project as I believe that by immersing learners in practical climate initiatives, we foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues and cultivate essential skills for addressing them. This hands-on approach not only enriches our student's academic experience but also empowers them to become proactive leaders in sustainability, driving meaningful change in their communities and beyond. We should never forget that small changes can make a big difference”