University of Greenwich hosts learning day on public sector net zero initiatives

Salix and partners explore campus decarbonisation projects, sharing knowledge and solutions to drive sustainability 

We were delighted to join forces with the University of Greenwich to welcome stakeholders from across the public sector for a learning day focused on net zero initiatives and campus decarbonisation. 

The event brought together representatives from Enfield Council, North Norfolk District Council, and West London NHS Trust, alongside teams from Salix, to explore practical solutions for reducing carbon emissions while maintaining operational excellence.

This visit marked the second in Salix’s series of fact-finding initiatives, following an earlier visit to Coventry University. The initiative forms part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme’s mission to showcase collaboration and innovation in tackling climate change.

We have been working closely with Greenwich to reduce the university’s carbon footprint and support its net-zero ambitions by upgrading building infrastructure. 

Key initiatives include replacing gas-fired boilers with energy-efficient heat pumps, implementing LED lighting across campuses, and introducing other energy-saving measures.

Delegates toured the university’s Avery Hill Campus, in Eltham, South East London, as well as being provided with a presentation giving the group a chance to ask questions. On the site the group were able to see completed heat pump installations.

Senior project manager Lee Thomas said: “We are keen that other organisations can benefit from the work we have done and the lessons we have learnt.

“This initiative is an opportunity for us to work together, share ideas, and come up with new solutions.

“There are unique challenges in a university setting; we cannot disrupt students, so for example, no works can happen during clearing week. Our goal is for students to benefit from these improvements, but we also want the wider community to benefit too.”

During the tour, the group was able to see how new plant rooms had been carefully integrated into the campus, meeting aesthetic and planning demands on a site which has a long history of educational training.

The Salix team also got a chance to see inside part of the Greenwich Maritime campus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Devonport House, currently undergoing major works to house the new Greenwich Business School building, we saw how heritage and sustainability can be carefully balanced. 

Heat pumps and energy-efficient upgrades will be integrated into the new build project, demonstrating that decarbonisation can work on a heritage site. The project is expected to take two years to complete.

Lee said: “We want to lead on net zero, showing both the challenges and successes of working with historic buildings.”

Building services manager Noel McSweeney added: “We are facing big challenges, but we are fully committed to our projects. Seeing the upgrades implemented alongside our existing structures is incredibly rewarding.”

Salix client support manager, Anna Kuratnikova, who organised the learning day with Greenwich, highlighted the significance of the campus-wide efforts.

She said: “Greenwich is a fantastic example of how decarbonisation can be implemented on a busy campus, with large-scale works across a range of buildings. 

“The true beneficiaries are the students, visitors, and the incredible teams who work here. These improvements make buildings more comfortable and future-ready, while aligning with the university’s net-zero ambitions.”

The University of Greenwich is aiming to achieve Net Zero for its buildings and vehicle fleet by 2033, with strategies in place to reduce both direct emissions from its estate and operations (Scope 1 & 2) and indirect emissions (Scope 3). 

Across its three campuses - Greenwich, Avery Hill, and Medway - around 40 buildings will be decarbonised as part of this ambitious plan.

Our joint event reinforced the power of collaboration in the public sector, demonstrating that shared knowledge and practical solutions can accelerate progress toward sustainability.

For organisations interested in hosting a visit, sharing knowledge, or taking part in webinars or workshops, please contact Anna Kuratnikova at [email protected] or Hannah Walker at [email protected]