Cheshire College – South & West is celebrating a major national achievement after winning ‘College Initiative of the Year’ at the Aico Community Awards 2026, held on 16 April at ICC Birmingham.
The award recognises the College’s pioneering Sustainable House project at its Ellesmere Port Campus, which is transforming how students learn about modern construction and sustainable technologies.
Used as a live teaching environment, the facility enables construction and electrical students to gain hands-on experience with real-world installation scenarios and cutting-edge, environmentally friendly systems.
Helen, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO of Cheshire College, said:
“The project lets our students get hands-on experience with the same technologies they’ll see out in industry, which makes a huge difference to how they learn. To see that recognised with this award is brilliant—not just for the College, but for our students and the opportunities it creates for them.”
The £680,000 project was developed to address both the growing demand for energy-efficient homes and the UK’s skills gap in sustainable construction. Built in partnership with local specialists, it incorporates advanced technologies including ground source heat pumps, photovoltaic solar panels and green wall systems.
Students studying at Levels 2, 3 and 4, including those enrolled on T Levels, benefit from working directly within the property. This includes experience in installation, maintenance and performance analysis, monitoring everything from energy efficiency to environmental impact across different seasons.
Sol Owen, Lecturer in Electrical Installation, nominated the project following a recent visit from Aico, he added:
“The Sustainable House gives our students something you just can’t replicate in a classroom. They’re working with real systems, solving real problems and building the confidence they’ll need in industry. Winning this award shows just how important hands-on, practical learning is in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.”
The project also supports adult learners and local businesses by offering upskilling opportunities in modern sustainable technologies, helping to future-proof the workforce and address challenges within the housing sector.
The Aico Community Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and community impact across the housing industry, bringing together organisations and individuals who are driving meaningful change.
This win places Cheshire College firmly at the forefront of innovation in further education, setting a benchmark for how colleges can combine sustainability, industry collaboration and immersive learning experiences.
For more information about Cheshire College visit www.ccsw.ac.uk