{"id":1654,"date":"2026-04-09T08:40:40","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T08:40:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/?p=1654"},"modified":"2026-04-09T08:40:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T08:40:40","slug":"lancaster-university-leaps-closer-to-net-zero-with-two-major-renewable-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/?p=1654","title":{"rendered":"Lancaster University closer to Net Zero with two major projects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\ufeff<\/p>\n<p><meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no\"><meta http-equiv=\"X-UA-Compatible\" content=\"IE=edge\"><meta name=\"format-detection\" content=\"telephone=no\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><title>Lancaster University leaps closer to Net Zero with two major renewable projects<\/title><meta name=\"description\" content=\"\"><meta name=\"keywords\" content=\"\"><meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index,follow\"><meta name=\"googlebot\" content=\"index,follow\"><meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary\"><meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Lancaster University leaps closer to Net Zero with two major renewable projects\"><meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"\"><meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"website\"><meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.vitalenergi.co.uk\/media\/press-releases\/lancaster-university-leaps-closer-to-net-zero-with-two-major-renewable-projects\/\"><meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Lancaster University leaps closer to Net Zero with two major renewable projects\"><meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"rich-text-case-study rte\">\n<div class=\"wrap rich-text-case-study__wrap\">\n<p>Vital Energi will be working in partnership with the Lancaster University to deliver a major new energy project which will virtually eliminate their use of fossil fuel gas and move them significantly closer to achieving their scope 1 and scope 2 net zero targets.<\/p>\n<p>The projects will see the installation of thousands of solar panels and the creation of a low carbon energy centre, housing highly efficient <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitalenergi.co.uk\/#\">air source heat pumps<\/a>, which received \u00a321M of funding from the Government\u2019s Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF).\u00a0 Both schemes are part of the University\u2019s wider decarbonisation efforts, with the University already being one of the highest producers of renewable energy in the UK.<\/p>\n<p>Today saw the projects take a major step closer with the University holding a groundbreaking event at the site of the new solar farm, marking the official start of the projects which will strengthen Lancaster\u2019s position as a global leader in sustainability.<\/p>\n<p>Lancaster University\u2019s Vice Chancellor, Professor Andy Schofield, led the event which brought together members of the University community including the project team, researchers, Vital Energi, and suppliers.<\/p>\n<p>Lancaster University is investing a further \u00a357m to decarbonise its campus and the University is also home to one of the largest groups of environmental science\u00a0 research groups in Europe.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"quote\">\n<div class=\"wrap quote__wrap\">\n<div class=\"swiper-container js-simple-quotes\">\n<div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n<div class=\"quote__holder\"><span class=\"quote__icon\"> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"36\" height=\"28\" viewbox=\"0 0 36 28\"><g fill=\"#F58220\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M12.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 5.681 28H2.033a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 12.319 0zM30.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 23.681 28h-3.648a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 30.319 0z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"quote__holder\">\n<p class=\"quote__text\">Lancaster University has a proud track record of delivering carbon-saving changes for the benefit of our community and planet. Our wind turbine already provides approximately 14 per cent of our campus electricity and to date has donated \u00a3200,000 to sustainable projects in the local community. This year marks the start of a significant new investment which will bring us even closer to our Net Zero target.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"quote__author\">Professor Simon Guy, <span class=\"quote__position\"> Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global, Lancaster University<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n<div class=\"quote__holder\"><span class=\"quote__icon\"> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"36\" height=\"28\" viewbox=\"0 0 36 28\"><g fill=\"#F58220\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M12.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 5.681 28H2.033a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 12.319 0zM30.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 23.681 28h-3.648a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 30.319 0z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"quote__holder\">\n<p class=\"quote__text\">We\u2019re delighted to mark the beginning of our partnership with Lancaster University for the delivery of these projects, that will contribute towards the University\u2019s journey to achieving net zero. The solar farm, energy centre and district heating projects will show how collaborative partnerships can deliver innovative and sustainable solutions. We look forward to working with Lancaster University who are demonstrably committed to protecting our planet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"quote__author\">Andrew Wightman, <span class=\"quote__position\"> Pre-Construction Director, Vital Energi<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n<div class=\"quote__holder\"><span class=\"quote__icon\"> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"36\" height=\"28\" viewbox=\"0 0 36 28\"><g fill=\"#F58220\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M12.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 5.681 28H2.033a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 12.319 0zM30.319 0h3.648a2 2 0 0 1 1.838 2.788l-10.286 24A2 2 0 0 1 23.681 28h-3.648a2 2 0 0 1-1.838-2.788l10.286-24A2 2 0 0 1 30.319 0z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"quote__holder\">\n<p class=\"quote__text\">These significant investments underpin Lancaster University\u2019s commitment to reducing energy related carbon emissions from electricity and heating to net zero by 2030 and aim to be net zero from all other emissions by 2035.\u202fThe University is currently ranked 24th for sustainability in the 2023 QS World University Ranking and 5th in the UK, and these \u00a357M projects will help to further decarbonize its campus and help towards achieving a Net Zero future.\u202f Lancaster University is proud to be working with local contractors and moving forward with firm actions and investment to deliver these groundbreaking low carbon projects.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"quote__author\">David Hounslea, <span class=\"quote__position\"> Director of Estates, Lancaster University<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-text-case-study rte\">\n<div class=\"wrap rich-text-case-study__wrap\">\n<p><strong>About the Projects<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Solar PV Farm<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A new \u00a317M \u2018solar PV farm\u2019, funded by the University will consist of more than 17,000 photovoltaic (PV) cell panels, constructed on the University\u2019s land to the east of the M6. The 11.5MW, 52-acre solar farm will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 3,000 homes. The project also includes a comprehensive landscaping scheme which will enhance the hedgerows and woodland in the area, protecting views for local walkers and creating an environment that will support wildlife and increase biodiversity. Construction of the solar farm will begin in late spring\/early summer 2024.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitalenergi.co.uk\/solar-farms\/\">new solar farm<\/a> will also house a bespoke research facility enabling research and teaching across disciplines from plant science, to control system engineering. The solar farm will encompass a 50kW agrivoltaics demonstrator enabling the production of crops and electricity from the same land area. It is believed to be the first field demonstrator in the UK and will comprise an area of tracking photovoltaic arrays and an area of vertical panels.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Low Carbon Energy Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Following the award of more than \u00a321M of funding from the Government\u2019s Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF), Lancaster University will begin construction of a new \u2018Low Carbon Energy Centre\u2019 in Autumn 2024. The GHNF funding will be matched by the University to develop a new \u00a340 million facility on Bailrigg campus which will virtually eliminate the use of gas to heat its Bailrigg Campus. The energy centre will use state-of-the-art heat pump technology to generate a projected 39-Gigawatt hours (GWh) of low carbon heat, enough to heat 95 per cent of the buildings on campus.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lancaster Campus District Heat Network <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Lancaster University has also been awarded \u00a3560,387 for the Lancaster Campus District Heat Network from the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES). Funding will go towards upgrading infrastructure across the network and allow it to be \u201cHeat Pump Ready\u201d. The project therefore includes the installation of more efficient pumps and meters, improving the central building management system, enhancing insulation throughout the network. HNES funding will be crucial in achieving the University\u2019s pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions from electricity and heating by 2030.<\/p>\n<p>More information about Lancaster University\u2019s commitment to sustainability is available on the website <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lancaster.ac.uk\/sustainability\">www.lancaster.ac.uk\/sustainability<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Sustainability Key Messaging<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Lancaster University is investing \u00a357million to further decarbonize its campus and help towards achieving a Net Zero future. Lancaster is one of the highest producers of renewable energy out of all UK universities.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Solar PV Farm<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>New 11.5MW solar PV farm with 17,000 solar panels at the Forrest Hills site generating enough to power over 3000 average households.<\/li>\n<li>The new solar PV farm will generate enough electricity to power a journey of 34,580,000 miles using an electric vehicle &#8211; equivalent to driving from London to France, over 80,000 times.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Net zero energy<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>New energy centre will generate enough low-carbon heat through air-source heat pumps to heat 95% of buildings on campus.<\/li>\n<li>5km of district heating pipework to connect the buildings on campus together.<\/li>\n<li>This project will virtually eliminate the use of gas heating on its Bailrigg Campus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-text-image rte\" data-anchor=\"\">\n<div class=\"wrap rich-text-image__wrap\">\n<h2 class=\"rich-text-image__title rte__title\">Solar farm groundbreaking event<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rich-text-image__img-holder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"rich-text-image__img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vitalenergi.co.uk\/media\/25efd2qq\/lancaster-university-solar-farm-ground-breaking-event-vital-energi.jpg?center=0.39531018562236153,0.4353921064373627&amp;mode=crop&amp;width=835&amp;height=474&amp;rnd=133606715735170000\" alt=\"Lancaster University Solar Farm Ground Breaking Event Vital Energi\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-text-image__text-container\">\n<p><span>Andrew Wightman, Pre-Construction Director, Vital Energi (left) and Andy Schofield, Vice-Chancellor, Lancaster University (right) at the Solar PV Farm groundbreaking event.<\/span> Image credit to Lancaster University.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitalenergi.co.uk\/javascript:\" class=\"js-read-more-rte read-more-btn\">Solution detail<span class=\"btn__link font-ico-plus\"><\/span><span class=\"btn__link font-ico-minus\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-text-image rte\" data-anchor=\"\">\n<div class=\"wrap rich-text-image__wrap\">\n<h2 class=\"rich-text-image__title rte__title\">Lancaster University | solar farm<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rich-text-image__img-holder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"rich-text-image__img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vitalenergi.co.uk\/media\/kovlgu4p\/1_6-photo-1.jpg?crop=0.0075142022803809374,0.0000000000000001641089996443,0.0015838989854423174,0&amp;cropmode=percentage&amp;width=835&amp;height=474&amp;rnd=133604053873030000\" alt=\"1 6 Photo (1)\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-text-image__text-container\">\n<p>5MW solar PV farm with 17,000 solar panels at the Forrest Hills site generating enough to power over 3000 average households.<\/p>\n<p>The new solar PV farm will generate enough electricity to power a journey of 34,580,000 miles using an electric vehicle &#8211; equivalent to driving from London to France, over 80,000 times.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitalenergi.co.uk\/javascript:\" class=\"js-read-more-rte read-more-btn\">Solution detail<span class=\"btn__link font-ico-plus\"><\/span><span class=\"btn__link font-ico-minus\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-text-image rte\" data-anchor=\"\">\n<div class=\"wrap rich-text-image__wrap\">\n<h2 class=\"rich-text-image__title rte__title\">Lancaster University | Energy Centre<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rich-text-image__img-holder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"rich-text-image__img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vitalenergi.co.uk\/media\/0d0j0npl\/ec-render-image-1b.png?crop=0,0.060211989270271056,0,0.053635391649020529&amp;cropmode=percentage&amp;width=835&amp;height=474&amp;rnd=133604049313030000\" alt=\"EC Render Image 1B\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-text-image__text-container\">\n<p>The new energy centre will generate enough low-carbon heat through air-source heat pumps to heat 95% of buildings on campus.\u00a05km of district heating pipework to connect the buildings on campus together. This project will virtually eliminate the use of gas heating on its Bailrigg Campus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitalenergi.co.uk\/javascript:\" class=\"js-read-more-rte read-more-btn\">Solution detail<span class=\"btn__link font-ico-plus\"><\/span><span class=\"btn__link font-ico-minus\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\ufeff Lancaster University leaps closer to Net Zero with two major renewable projects Vital Energi will be working in partnership with the Lancaster University to deliver a major new energy project which will virtually eliminate their use of fossil fuel gas and move them significantly closer to achieving their scope 1 and scope 2 net [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":241,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"ve_media_section":[3],"ve_media_year":[],"ve_sector":[],"class_list":["post-1654","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","ve_media_section-press-releases"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1654","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1654"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1654\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1654"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1654"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1654"},{"taxonomy":"ve_media_section","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fve_media_section&post=1654"},{"taxonomy":"ve_media_year","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fve_media_year&post=1654"},{"taxonomy":"ve_sector","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vitalenergi.creativespark.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fve_sector&post=1654"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}