Green Skills Academy - Alpha working alongside Coleg Sir Gar

Alpha Safety Training: Supporting Green Skills in South Wales

Alpha Safety Training is pleased to be working in collaboration with Coleg Sir Gar to help upskill individuals and businesses across South Wales in green sills and sustainability knowledge. 

At the Coleg Sir Gar Green Skills Academy, sustainability is treated as more than a buzzword. It is a practical way of thinking and working. Through employer engagement, student activities, and a wide range of courses and qualifications, the academy helps businesses and individuals build the knowledge and confidence needed to contribute to a more sustainable future, and Alpha Safety Training is a proud to support this aim. 

 

What does this mean in practice? And why does it matter? 

This article explains the importance of Green skills, shares key information, and highlights fats that show why sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses and communities alike. 

 

How can my company or I benefit from Green skill courses? 

Available Green skill courses are tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals at every stage of their sustainability journey. Whether you're a beginner looking to understand the basics, or a seasoned professional seeking advanced training, Coleg Sir Gar has the resources and expertise to help you succeed. 

As an ISEP Centre of excellence, Coleg Sir Gar's commitment to excellent in environmental management and sustainability education is recognised globally. Through practical workshops, engaging lectures, and hands-on projects, you'll gain the confidence and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

 

So, what areas of training are covered under the Green Skills Academy? 

The following areas are covered under the Greens skills academy umbrella, please do click on the respective link for more details on each:

Environmental (GSA), Retrofit & Energy Efficiency (GSA), Drones (GSA), and also Renewables (GSA).

For ease of use, we have also added a link HERE with a summary of Green Skills Academy ISEP courses (construction focused) held at Coleg Sir Gar, but please do ask away if you have any additional questions, queries, or requirements. 

 

Did you know?

Many of the Greens Skills Academy courses are funded (for eligible individuals) through Personal Learning Accounts (PLA) or ReAct Plus. Our team here at Apha Safety, or our good friends at The Green Skills Academy are on hand to guide you through the process.

 

Will businesses in Wales need a Carbon Reduction Plan in 2027? 

As environmental requirements become more and more important in public procurement, many businesses are asking whether a Carbon Reduction Plan will be mandatory or Welsh contracts in 2027. the short answer is NO. At present, there is no blanket requirement for every supplier bidding for public sector contracts in Wales to have a Carbon Reduction Plan. However, the situation is more detailed than a simply YES or NO. 

 

Wales has ambitious Carbon Targets

The Welsh government has set legally binding climate targets under the Envornmental (Wales) Act 2016. During Carbon Budget 3 (2026-2030), Wales aims to:

• Achieve an average 58% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with 1990 levels. 
• Reach a 63% reduction by 2030
• Become net zero by 2050

These targets are influencing government policy and the way public bodies buy goods and services. 

 

Are Carbon Reduction Plans mandatory in Wales? 

Unlike England, where some central government procurements require suppliers to submit a Carbon Reduction Plan, Wales has not introduced a universal procurement rule that requires Carbon Reduction Plans for contracts above a specific value.

Instead, Welsh procurement policy focuses on wider sustainability goals, including:

• Delivering socially responsible procurement
• Supporting the ambition of a net zero public sector by 2030
• Considering carbon impacts where they are relevant and proportionate.
• Including environmental requirements where they relate directly to the contact being procured. 

This means requirements can vary depending on the public body awarding the contract and the type of work being procured. 

 

What evidence might suppliers need to provide? 

Although a formal carbon reduction plan is not mandatory for all procurements, organisations bidding for larger contracts or contracts with higher carbon impact may be asked to evidence their environment performance. This could include:

• A carbon reduction or net zero strategy
• Greenhouse gas emissions data (typically Scope 1 and Scope 2, with relevant Scope 3 emissions where appropriate). 
• Planned emissions reductions initiatives.
• Environmental management certifications, such as ISO 14001.
• Contract-specific measures to minimise carbon emissions during delivery. 

These types of requirements are becoming more common when environmental performances is relevant to the contract. 

 

So what does this mean for businesses in 2027? 

There is no standalone legal requirement coming in to force in 2027 that requires every business in Wales to publish or maintain a Carbon Reduction Plan. 

However, businesses that want to win public sector contracts should expect environmental credentials to become more important in procurement decisions.  A documented carbon reduction strategy, clear emissions measurement, and evidence or continual improvement can strengthen tender submissions and help organisations prepare for future policy changes. 

 

Key Takeaways

Carbon Reduction Plans will not be universally mandatory in Wales in 2027, but the direction of travel is clear...Welsh public bodies are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, and suppliers that can show credible cardon reduction activity are likely to be better positioned when competing for contracts. 

For many organisations, developing a Carbon Reduction Plan is becoming less about meeting a legal requirement and more about staying competitive, demonstrating responsibility, and preparing for a lower-carbon future.