Dynamic project gears Lincoln College up for a net zero future
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme project in Lincolnshire underway
Lincoln College Group have started their journey to net zero, as the college delivers energy efficiency upgrades under two phases of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
Lincoln College Group, which includes Lincoln and Newark Colleges and trains 13,000 students annually, is undergoing extensive works to modernise and decarbonise its estate, all while engaging students in a unique, real-time learning opportunity.
We couldn’t wait to visit the college to talk about the project work. The works, which support the college's goal to reach net zero by 2036, are happening in active teaching spaces, giving students - including future engineers and construction professionals - a front-row seat to the green transition.
Awarded funding under both Phase 3c and Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the college is in the midst of a dynamic, multi-million-pound project to install energy-saving technologies across its Lincolnshire sites.
Molly Evanson of Salix, centre, joins the visit and is pictured outside the Cathedral Building at Lincoln College
Photo credit: Salix Finance
Under Phase 3c, the college secured £1.86 million in funding toward a £2 million project that is expected to deliver annual carbon savings of 281.80 tonnes.
In Phase 4, the group received an additional £760k, contributing to a £928k project supported by match funding. The college says this phase is projected to save 147.04 tonnes of carbon annually.
This funding makes a significant difference to our efforts to become a low carbon estate. Our Sustainability Plan is ambitious and is set for us to be low carbon or as close to net zero as possible by 2036.
The improvements include the replacement of outdated gas boilers, the installation of air source heat pumps, energy-efficient windows, insulation upgrades, as well as a new building management system.
Nick Pettit, Director of Estates at Lincoln College, said: “This funding makes a significant difference to our efforts to become a low carbon estate. Our Sustainability Plan is ambitious and is set for us to be low carbon or as close to net zero as possible by 2036.”
Work is taking place across key college buildings, including Cathedral, Bishops, Abbey, Temple and Friary, many of which are not only used for administration and teaching but also for training students in construction, joinery, engineering and sustainable energy technologies.
Our client support officer, Molly Evanson visited the site to take a look and discuss the ambition.
She said: “It’s remarkable to think that a hub of decarbonisation activity is happening right where the engineers and future energy experts are being trained. It is very inspiring to see this work.”
Molly added: “These buildings are heavily used for a range of courses, from A Levels and apprenticeships to special educational needs and English language classes. It is really important that the learning environment is the right one.”
During the visit, our team toured classrooms, offices, and building works underway.
At the Bishops and Cathedral buildings - which house the engineering, information technology, automotive engineering and supported education, and six air source heat pumps were seen ready to be connected ahead of the winter heating season.
Window replacements and insulation of new pipework were also progressing on site.
The college group is installing a range of energy efficiency measures including heat pumps
Photo credit: Salix Finance
The Phase 3c works are on track for completion and commissioning by October, while Phase 4 is a three-year project currently in its design phase.
Like any live learning environment, the college has faced challenges, such as coordinating works around busy exam periods in the Cathedral building – but through detailed planning, learning continued without disruption.
As the college moves closer to realising its 2036 sustainability goals, students remain central to the mission – not only benefiting from a greener campus but actively participating in shaping the future of energy.
During the visit to Lincoln College, we were able to see a number of technologies
Photo credit: Salix Finance
We’re proud to be supporting Lincoln College Group on its path to net zero and thank the team for welcoming us on site.
