Joining forces: Salix and Coventry University turn learning into climate action

We’re celebrating a transformative partnership delivering clean energy projects, sharing expertise and inspiring sustainability across the public sector

At Salix we’re proud to partner with Coventry University to showcase pioneering net zero initiatives taking shape across the campus. Together, we’re not only helping to deliver transformative energy projects but also creating opportunities to share knowledge and inspire wider change across the public sector.

Through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, Salix has been working closely with the university to support its ambitious plans to connect multiple campus buildings to Coventry’s renowned district heat network. 

Backed by around £13 million in Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding, this project marks a major step toward the university’s goal of achieving net zero by 2030.

Once completed, the project is expected to save the university up to £100,000 each year in grid electricity costs by generating clean, zero-carbon electricity for its own use from five solar pv arrays. 

Our team visited the university to connect with those at Coventry University leading the way as well as representatives from other public sector organisations, strengthening collaboration and sharing learnings to ensure collective success. 

On the day we met with deputy head of sustainability at Coventry University Michael Checkley and senior project manager Paul Hinson, as well as Richard Marchant and Dan Wigglesworth from contractors Vital Energi who are delivering the work.

Guests included Adrian Jones and Charlotte Baker from the University of Wolverhampton and Andrew Thomas and Ahmad Alhelwe from the University of Warwick.

During our visit we were able to gain a real understanding of the practical issues involved in connecting the university to clean power in a thriving city.

Paul and Michael were able to explain what the work meant for students as well as the wider community, whilst Vital Energi explained some of the practical considerations around digging large trenches across the city around the university buildings.

We were also able to take a look at the impressive solar panels where a green roof is also able to thrive, considering the holistic approach to the ambitious project. 

In addition to the heat network connection, the government funding, delivered by our teams at Salix, is helping to support the installation of hundreds of new solar panels across university buildings. Altogether, these upgrades will reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,300 tonnes per year, more than 20% of the university’s annual emissions from fossil fuel use.

Solar panels are installed at a number of university buildings, including; Alma building, Cycle Works, The Hub, Charles Ward, and the Sir Frank Whittle Building. 

New energy-efficient windows have also been installed thanks to funding under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The windows at the locally-listed Elm Bank site have been very carefully designed to maintain the character of the building. They not only look impressive but have created a warmer and quieter space for students to work.

The district energy network itself is a 6.6km underground system that supplies low-carbon heat from the city’s waste incinerator to key public buildings - producing only a fifth of the emissions of traditional natural gas systems.

All works are set for completion by March 2026.

Sharing knowledge and driving impact

Paul Hinson from Coventry University said: “We’re incredibly excited to take this next step on our journey to net zero. 

“This funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is helping turn our ambitions into reality. 

“Being able to share our learning is important to us here, we’re happy to help organisations embarking on this journey.”

Michael Checkley added: “It’s great to see actual heating infrastructure being installed to directly support our low carbon plans.  No two projects are the same with district heat networks, and we’re happy to have conversations with others about what we have learned here.”

Andrew Thomas from Warwick, joined the tour to learn more about the heat network operation. 

He said: “Joining this fact-finding mission has really brought this process to life.

“It’s certainly opened my eyes and particularly around the legal frameworks. We will be ready to share our journey with the heat network next autumn.”

At Salix, we’re committed to championing collaboration and sharing expertise across all our partners. By working side by side with Coventry University and other organisations, we’re ensuring that innovation, learning and best practice are shared to accelerate the UK’s journey to net zero.

Our client support Anna Kuratnikova has organised the latest learning initiative. 

She said: “We’re delighted to work with the incredible team at Coventry University and partners from across the public sector. It’s inspiring to see such dedication to innovation and sustainability in action. 

“Bringing people together to share knowledge, challenges and successes is what drives our progress and improves our world and accelerates our journey to net zero.

“We’re proud to support a project that is not only reducing emissions but also creating a legacy of learning and collaboration.”

Meanwhile Coventry University continues to support society’s transition to a greener future through groundbreaking research in battery technology, hydrogen fuel, and sustainable transport. 

Its wider commitment to tackling climate change includes initiatives such as the Clean Futures programme, supporting SMEs to develop green transport solutions, the revitalised Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), and the upskilling of workers for careers in electric vehicle production.

If you would like to host a visit, share your knowledge, have an idea for a webinar or workshop, please do contact Anna at [email protected], or Hannah at [email protected]