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There’s an old saying that the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago and the second-best time is today.  It could be argued that the same outlook is warranted for the Higher Education sector’s approach to decarbonisation.

Whilst some Universities have already slashed thousands of tonnes of carbon from their scope 1 and scope 2 emissions, others are still in the early stages of their decarbonisation journey and the pressure will mount as their net zero deadlines approach.

Slightly complicating the bigger picture is the fact that there are multiple net zero carbon deadlines to be taken into account.  At one end of the spectrum, The Welsh Government have set a target of 2030, leaving little over 6 years for them to achieve their goals.  In The Climate Change Act, however, the British Government has set a less stringent target of 2050.  It should be noted, however, that 2050 is an “at the latest” deadline and some Universities have declared a climate emergency which has seen them set targets from 2030 onwards.

An impending deadline is a great motivator

It’s no surprise that the Universities who have the tightest targets are the ones that have made the most progress, as an impending deadline is a great motivator.  Aberystwyth University, for example, has a long-term, multi-phase decarbonisation plan in place already, and they are now delivering phase 3 of their programme.  The first two phases saw them undertake energy conservation measures and create a 2.5MW solar farm, collectively reducing their carbon emissions by nearly 800 tonnes per year.

At the other end of the scale, I meet people from Universities who are struggling to get their decarbonisation journey underway, largely because of other external pressures or limited resources. Whilst some have over 25 years to meet their targets on paper, being slow off the mark means that some institutions have already missed out on tens of millions of pounds in public funding.

As no one knows what the long-term public sector funding landscape looks like, these are golden opportunities which we encourage Universities to pursue.

Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund has put hundreds of millions of pounds into the public sector, with tens of millions making its way into Higher Education, which is great news… for some.

The gap between announcing PSDS is open for entries and the portal closing is generally a matter of weeks.  This period is too short for a “standing start” and many Universities have been left floundering, whilst their better prepared contemporaries have received sizeable amounts of grant funding.

Swansea Bay UHB Solar PV Farm Installation – Full-scope solar pv farm installation for Swansea Bay UHB that guarantees minimum savings of more than £1.5 million a year.

The solution to this is to prepare. By developing your decarbonisation plan you will have most of the information you need to apply for pots of funding as they appear. The PSDS fund is a major source of funding, but it is not the only game in town and by having your decarbonisation plan in place, you’ll be agile enough to apply for funding as it’s announced.

Having a thorough understanding of how you use energy, where your emissions come from, which measures will reduce emissions and how much it will all cost are all essential pieces of information to have. The Universities who have developed their energy models and decarbonisation plans on this basis are the ones best placed to be successful to apply for pots of funding as soon as the opportunities and funding windows are announced.

The Power of Phasing

We have yet to meet a University who have achieved net zero in a single bound, and having a thorough understanding of your current energy infrastructure and the improvements you can make allows you to group initiatives into phases which meet the available funding pots.

By adopting a phased approach, you can begin to deliver the most effective measures, which will make the biggest decarbonisation impact and build on that success with each successive phase.

Ideally, you’ll have a phased decarbonisation plan which demonstrates how you’ll get to your net zero target by your target date.

Look Outwards

Decarbonisation isn’t happening in a vacuum and seizing opportunities when they come along is key to success. This will not be a solution for all Universities, but some may fall into a “goldilocks zone” which allows them to connect into a wider low carbon energy networks.

These Universities should be contacted early in the development of the energy network and will be courted as potential “anchor customers” in terms of energy demands. This could be a simpler, cost-effective method to decarbonise your campus, but this is a specialist area and will depend entirely on opportunities in the local area.

You will almost certainly have to make changes to your campus to integrate with external energy networks and may require additional modifications or complementary works programmes to integrate. This may be a “niche” solution which applies only to a few Universities, but it will play a part for those lucky enough to tie into town or city-wide schemes.

Maximise your resources

If you have nearby space, such as fields, you may be able to harness solar power.  Proximity to water may open up the possibility of water source heat pumps, and derelict or unused buildings could be repurposed as energy centres. Our advice is to take a look at your existing estate and resources and use them to further your decarbonisation needs.

The Higher Education sector is renowned for its ingenuity, and we have worked on a number of innovative projects which have slashed hundreds of tonnes of carbon from their scope 1 and 2 emissions.

A case in point is the University of St Andrews who created a major biomass energy centre at its Eden Campus serving a largescale heat network, which is used to distribute heat several kilometres to its North Haugh Campus.  The £25m project was situated in a formerly derelict paper mill and transported the heat via a 23km heat network.  This project was an ambitious feat of engineering and reduced their emissions by approximately 6,000 tonnes per year.

Another example of using available resources is Aberystwyth University who created a solar farm on land they owned, utilising a private wire HV connection to distribute solar power onto its campus.

The University of Liverpool transformed a derelict mortuary into an energy centre, both reducing carbon and safeguarding a Grade 2 listed building in the process.

One thing all these Universities had in common was that they looked at the resources they already had available, and integrated them into their decarbonisation projects.

Next Steps On Your Net Zero Journey

If you haven’t already got a decarbonisation plan in place, then the first step should be developing one; reaching out to an energy specialist and harnessing their experience and knowledge can make the process much more effective. A core part of this will be to look at your energy consumption and existing infrastructure to identify the best ways to decarbonise.

A good decarbonisation plan will differentiate between short, medium and long-term goals, allowing effective measures such as insulation, lighting and HVAC upgrades to be installed as soon as possible, whilst you can plan for the more complex initiatives in future.

By doing this, you’re building the foundations of success and will create the best pathway to meeting your net zero targets.

If you’d like to discuss a decarbonisation project with us, please email [email protected] or call us on +44 (0)12 5429 6000

Vital Energi has successfully delivered a high-profile rooftop crane lift at Palestra House, one of Transport for London’s largest office buildings, supporting their journey to decarbonise their operations and buildings.

As part of the wider energy upgrade programme, which is set to save over 1,500 tonnes of carbon a year, the crane operation involved the removal of four redundant air-cooled chillers and the installation of three new air source heat pumps (ASHPs).

These ASHPs will generate low-temperature hot water (LTHW) and provide supplementary cooling to the retained chillers, helping to transition the building away from fossil fuel reliance.

The crane lift, which took place at the busy Blackfriars Road and Union Street junction, required meticulous planning and collaboration with multiple stakeholders including TfL, Thames Water, Southwark Council, and Network Rail, along with local residents, and businesses.

Traffic, cycling, and pedestrian management plans were implemented, including diversions for the super cycle highway and secure fencing around the craneage area to ensure public safety.

An extensive pre-planning and peer review process ensured the lift was executed smoothly, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area and continued operation of Palestra House.

As well as replacing gas boilers with heat pumps, Vital Energi are implementing upgrades to existing heating, cooling, and controls systems within the building, and converting over 9,000 light fittings to energy-efficient LEDs, to support TfL’s net zero ambitions.

To date, around 3,500 lights have been replaced across four of the building’s eleven floors, with phased works carefully coordinated with TfL and building occupiers to minimise disruption.

Ventilation upgrades have also been completed, further enhancing the building’s energy performance.

There will be a second crane lift towards the end of the year, where water source heat pumps will be lifted and positioned on the roof.

TfL was awarded grant funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which is administered by Salix on behalf of the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to enable this phase of works.

Read more about how Vital Energi is supporting TfL’s decarbonisation journey here.

Vital Energi will be delivering a new 4MW solar PV installation for Swansea Bay University Health Board at Brynwhilach in a partnership which will reduce the Health Board’s carbon emissions by over 20,000 tonnes.

The solar farm, which is being delivered through the Re:fit framework, will see almost 10,000 PV panels installed over an area of 20,000m² and, when operational, will supply over 3.5 million kWh of zero-carbon electricity to Morriston Hospital via a 3km private wire network. In addition to the carbon reduction the project will save £439,000 per annum in electricity costs.

The energy conservation measures have been carried out throughout 2020 and will be completed early next year.

Work on the solar farm development is due to start in the early part of 2021 and should be operational by the end of the summer.

All financial, carbon and electrical generation targets are guaranteed by Vital Energi under a 20-year energy performance contract which ensures the scheme will perform as designed.  In addition to designing and installing the solar farm, Vital Energi will also undertake long-term operation and maintenance duties on the project.

The Welsh Government were the first in the UK to pass a Climate Emergency Declaration and have set a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.  Swansea Bay University Health Board have a long-term carbon reduction strategy in place and the solar farm is the second stage of works undertaken through the Re:fit framework.  Phase 1 saw Vital Energi work in partnership with the Health Board to deliver a range of energy conservation measures which reduce carbon emissions by 2,476 tonnes per annum whilst delivering energy cost savings of £870,000 per year.

The project is being supported by the Welsh Government and Salix funding.  Work will begin on site in February 2021 with completion scheduled for July 2021.

Vital Energi are working with Southwark Council to deliver a £6.95m project which will see 2,175 properties across the Newington, Wyndham and Consort estates receive sustainable, low-carbon heat from pioneering water source heat pump project.

The project makes use of the existing district heating network, but 3 retrofitted water source heat pumps will replace gas boilers as the primary heat source which will deliver a large carbon reduction across the estates and improve the air quality locally.

Heat will be taken from locally drilled bore holes where the water is naturally warmer and then run through the heat pumps to further increase temperature, before it is pumped out to customers This is an extremely efficient and reliable way of producing heat.

Cllr Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Planning & Transport and Cllr Leo Pollak, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “In Southwark we’re working with residents, businesses and anyone else who can help, to try and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Sitting alongside our commitment to plant 10,000 new trees, and our ongoing investment in renewable energy, this is exactly the sort of innovative and ground breaking project that will help us achieve our goal. 

“We are delighted to be working with Vital Energi, and will be checking in with residents living on the three estates, to see how they are getting along with their new, cleaner, green heating supply.” 

The project is due for completion in 2021 and when the heat pumps are in operation resident’s energy supply will be transformed over night to a low carbon renewable source.

Mae'r dudalen hon ar gael yn y Gymraeg yma.

The Coed-Ely Solar Farm is now officially switched on and supplying electricity directly to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. This means that one of our most vital public services is being powered by energy generated right here in our community.

Built on a reclaimed colliery site, the solar farm features 9,000 panels and produces enough electricity to power around 1,800 homes each year, and as well as powering homes, that energy is helping keep the lights on, machines running, and care flowing at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

Further to this, the project has created local jobs and generated over £600,000 in spending with local businesses and suppliers. It’s a major step forward in making vital public services more resilient and less dependent on unpredictable energy markets.

The Coed-Ely Solar Farm was jointly funded by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and part-funded by the Welsh Government.

Mark Williams, Vital Energi’s Partnerships Director, said:  “Seeing clean, low-carbon energy transmitted to Royal Glamorgan Hospital is more than just a technical achievement, it’s a demonstration of how the public sector can collaborate to achieve its net zero goals.  This is another fantastic addition to Wales’s low-carbon energy infrastructure and one which will contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for everyone.

“We’d like to congratulate Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council on a visionary scheme which created a template for collaboration which can be replicated throughout Wales and beyond.”

The Coed Ely Solar Farm was constructed on a reclaimed colliery site, turning 84 acres of former industrial land into a renewable energy asset for the region. As one of the largest local-authority solar projects in Wales, it generates enough clean energy to power around 8,000 homes annually while contributing 5MW to the grid.

Claire Thompson, Executive Director of Strategy and Transformation, said, “This is a landmark moment for our health board and for the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. The switch-on of solar energy is more than just a technical achievement – it’s a symbol of our commitment to delivering healthcare in a sustainable, forward-thinking way.

“We’re proud to be part of a project that not only reduces our carbon footprint but also strengthens our partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Vital Energi. This is just the beginning of our journey toward a greener future.

“A heartfelt thank you to all our colleagues whose dedication and hard work made this milestone possible.”

Local school children visit Hebburn Renewable Energy Scheme

Children from St Aloysius Primary School got the opportunity to visit the local Vital Energi project at Hebburn, and see their artwork which is now displayed on the site hoardings surrounding the site.

In 2022, Vital Energi’s Pre -Construction Engineer, Victoria Wallbank visited their school and delivered an engaging Climate Education session. As part of this, the class drew inspiring pictures to represent low carbon energy. A selection of these have now been displayed on the boards around the construction site, based in the heart of the town centre, where works are beginning on the steel framework of the Paul Younger Energy Centre.

The nine children had a tour of the site in March 2023 and walked round to Durham Court and Hebburn Central Library and Leisure Centre, two of the buildings that will be connected to benefit from the Hebburn Renewable Energy scheme being developed by South Tyneside Council. After learning more about the project and the works so far, they enjoyed playing two of our new Climate Education games, Top Trumps and Higher or Lower. Both games sparked excitement amongst the children, learning more about the different energy technologies available in a fun and interactive way.

Each child was also given a goody bag which included various Vital branded items, sweet treats and seeds to plant at home or at school. The children are looking forward to driving past the site on their daily commute to school and seeing the progress of the construction of the energy centre over the coming months.

Victoria Wallbank said “It was great to see the children again and show them progress on the project so far, and their artwork displayed around the site. This second visit allowed us to re-engage with the children to further educate them on the wide range of solutions to reduce our carbon emissions. I look forward to welcoming them back to the site at the end of the year to see the energy centre in action.”

The LCR Combined Authority is set to take a big step towards its net zero targets after work begins on the project, funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund. The scheme will deliver city region-wide energy efficiency improvements including Solar PV, Air Source Heat Pumps, and an extension to the Mersey Heat Network.

Wirral, Sefton, St Helens, Knowsley, and Liverpool are all set to benefit from a £4.9m series of energy conservation projects at a range of council-owned buildings across the wider Liverpool City Region.

Once complete, the project will cut carbon emissions by more than 500 tonnes each year, which is the equivalent of 600 average UK homes’ emissions.

The project is being delivered by renewable energy company Vital Energi, which will install a blend of energy conservation measures, including solar PV panels, heat pumps, pipework insulation, double glazing and LED lighting upgrades. The project will also deliver additional connections to the Mersey Heat Network.

Vital Energi and the LCR Combined Authority have worked with Knowsley Council, Wirral Council, and Liverpool City Council to identify which buildings will most benefit from the energy conservation measures, and after an extensive survey and energy audit, chose buildings at:

• Wirral County Park
• Wirral – Landican Cemetery
• Knowsley – Prescott Soccer Centre
• Sefton – Bootle Library
• Sefton – Bootle Leisure Centre

Additionally, George’s Dock and the Cunard Building will be connecting to the Mersey Heat Network.

In addition to the PSDS scheme, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is also exploring potential locations for ground and roof-mounted solar installations, to accelerate their journey to Net Zero by 2035.

The Leeds PIPES heat network has been recognised as an international exemplar of a city-wide heating solution, following a visit by the Canadian-based Boltzmann Institute. The delegation attended as part of a pan-European “study tour”, to gain crucial insights to aid in the expansion of Canada’s low carbon energy infrastructure.

Leeds PIPES, one of the UK’s fastest growing, major heat networks provides homes, businesses and public buildings with affordable, reliable, low carbon heat and hot water through the use of recovered heat from a nearby Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility.
Being delivered by Vital Energi, in partnership with Leeds City Council and Ener-Vate, the scheme was responsible for a near 6,000 tonnes of carbon reduction in 2023 alone, and has delivered over 430 green jobs across the Leeds city region.
Its current customers include some of the city’s most notable organisations, including Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Beckett University and St James’s University Hospital.

Connecting over 2,300 homes and 28 key buildings across the city centre, the city-wide heating network has attracted national recognition, having recently won the “Energy Project of the Year – Residential” category at the prestigious Energy Awards in London.
The project is also making significant local impact through inspiring the next generation of heating and electric engineers, as well as aspiring design and construction professionals. 40 students from the Urban Energy Systems course at the University of Leeds also had the opportunity to tour the network in action and gain unique insights from senior staff at the organisation.
Representatives from The Boltzmann Institute visited energy facilities across eight countries in Europe in advance of their ambitious plans for district energy expansion across Canada, helping the country reach its goals for net zero emissions by 2050.

To find out more about the Leeds PIPES network, visit: https://www.leeds-pipes.co.uk/.