IEG Win Sustainability Award at 2025 Peterborough Telegraph Business Awards
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Inspire Education Group (IEG) has proudly received the Sustainability Award at the Peterborough Telegraph Business Awards 2025, in recognition of its sector-leading approach to environmental responsibility, innovation, and education.
IEG was recognised for embedding sustainability across all aspects of its work — from curriculum and estate development to staff engagement and student-led action.
Judges praised the Group’s evidence-based efforts to reduce its environmental impact, including the successful transformation of disused furniture into zero-cost, fully repurposed recycling stations. This initiative not only diverted waste from landfill but also became a symbol of practical circular economy thinking in action.
IEG has also invested significantly in improving energy efficiency, modernising systems and cutting carbon emissions, while maintaining the highest level of environmental accreditation through Investors in the Environment.
IEG continues to demonstrate how sustainability is more than a policy — it’s a core part of its educational mission.
In particular, the recent launch of the Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College marked a major milestone in low-carbon skills development. Designed to be net-zero ready and powered by solar energy, the Centre trains students in retrofit, renewable energy and electric vehicle systems — aligning with regional and national goals for green jobs and climate action.
IEG has also been invited to become a Green World Ambassador and to feature in The Green Book, the global guide to environmental best practice. The Group continues to lead by example — showing that sustainability in education is not just about compliance, but a core pillar of future-ready teaching, learning, and community impact.
This award reflects IEG’s role not just as an education provider, but as a civic partner and changemaker — leading by example and shaping a cleaner, greener future for Peterborough and beyond.
Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce said:
"From a Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) perspective, IEG’s achievements provide a clear example of how education providers can respond to employer-identified skills needs, particularly in green technologies, low-carbon retrofit, renewable energy, and electric vehicle systems. The LSIP, delivered by the Chamber Skills Team, has identified these areas as priorities through extensive consultations with employers across construction, utilities, advanced manufacturing, and other sectors.
"The Chamber Skills Team enjoys a strong relationship with IEG, collaborating on projects that support regional skills development and workforce readiness. Green skills are a major focus for the team, and initiatives like the Centre for Green Technology highlight how FE and HE providers are helping to build a future-ready, sustainable workforce for Peterborough and the wider region.
"We look forward to continuing our support for IEG and thank them for the ongoing contribution they make to Skills Team projects and the wider skills ecosystem. Their award-winning work is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when education, employers, and local partnerships work together towards a greener and more sustainable future."
We support employers to develop their people and their organisations. We strive to make a positive contribution to the prosperity and wellbeing of our diverse communities.
