College strikes gold with off-grid classroom

Glasgow Clyde College (GCC) has come out on top at this year’s Scottish Renewables Energy Awards, for creating a completely off-grid classroom.

A pioneering initiative created by harnessing renewable technologies including wind power, solar power and electrical energy storage, the classroom took home the Contribution to Skills Award and is set to achieve a return on investment within seven years.

Implementing the best in renewable tech, the classroom is no longer powered by the grid and is completely NetZero. It was designed and executed over two years by curriculum manager Barry Faichnie, along with more than 750 student engineers and apprentices, all of whom train at GCC.

In just 14 months of operation, the classroom has run entirely off-grid, avoiding 4,096 kWh of electricity use and saving approximately 0.92 tonnes of CO₂ annually—equivalent to driving up to 4,360 miles in a UK car or the yearly carbon uptake of up to 92 trees.

Barry said: “I’m hugely proud of everything we’ve achieved with our off-grid classroom. We’re committed to delivering quality renewable energy education through hands-on and practical training at Glasgow Clyde College, and to be recognised at an industry level is outstanding. 

“This award win reflects the incredible efforts of our team and students in driving innovation and sustainability through education. Together, we’re building the skills that will power a greener future for Scotland and beyond.” 

Following the increasing demand for renewable energy systems, Glasgow Clyde College has developed several specialist courses, consisting of both theoretical and practical  training.

Image shows Barry Faichnie at the awards ceremony.