Revolutionizing campus sustainability: A bold step towards net zero
University of West London uses green funding to boost energy efficiency across key sites
In an ambitious move to combat climate change, University of West London has set a target to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its campuses by 2030.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy solutions, supported by funding from Phase 1 and 3a of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The funding has resulted in one of the largest decarbonisation projects of its kind.
Claire Willitts, director of property services at the University of West London, said: “Sustainability is undoubtedly a priority for the University.”
Claire, among other key members of the University’s faculty, can be seen discussing the project in a video featured on our YouTube channel.
Kickstarting the journey to net zero
The university received £5 million in Phase 1 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to enhance the energy efficiency of its facilities through the installation of heat pumps, solar panels, and LED lighting. These upgrades are designed to maximize carbon savings while extending the lifespan of existing systems.
The decarbonisation strategy targeted four key sites: St Mary’s Road, Paragon House, Drama Studio London, and Vestry Hall. Upgrades include the introduction of a ground source heat pumps at St Mary’s Road and Drama Studio London, air source heat pumps at Paragon House and Vestry Hall,, 580 solar thermal panels at St Mary’s Road, and insulation improvements at Vestry Hall.
The project was recognised by the Energy Managers Association’s (EMA) Energy Management Awards receiving the highly commended designation in the decarbonisation project category.
Salix funding made it that there was no longer a barrier to the project. We certainly found that the relationship on multiple projects we’ve now had with Salix has been good, strong, and open and that was critical for us.
Progress in Phase 3a
Continuing its momentum, the university received £285,000 from Phase 3a of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to replace outdated gas boilers at Century House with carbon saving air source heat pumps and upgrade the building’s insulation.
This nine-storey building, integral to the campus, houses various classrooms, meeting spaces, and specialized rooms such as dance and music studios.
Professor Anthony Woodman, provost and senior deputy vice-chancellor, said: “Salix funding made it that there was no longer a barrier to the project.
“We certainly found that the relationship on multiple projects we’ve now had with Salix has been good, strong, and open and that was critical for us.”
This appreciation is mutual for our teams at Salix as we support the university throughout the delivery of its project.
Claudia Head, client support officer at Salix, said: “It’s been great working with the University of West London to support them on their decarbonisation journey, focusing on all areas of their sites from academic blocks to halls of residence.
“They are committed and passionate about their decarbonisation projects, presenting a great example of what can be achieved when working towards net-zero.”
Innovative Solutions
The university’s decarbonisation efforts include holistic and innovative projects that increase the positive impact of the low carbon technologies.
Fouad Amuni, programme coordinator at Salix, said: “A key criteria of Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding is the whole building approach.
“The University of West London stands out to me as it not only met that criteria but was able to incorporate a mini rewilding project to cover the boreholes that were dug for the ground source heat pump. This to me highlighted a holistic approach to sustainability that goes above and beyond.”
With further funding secured under Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the university is set to continue its ambitious plans, aiming to decarbonise six additional buildings at the Ruskin College campus by March 31, 2026. This includes replacing gas-fired heating systems in several accommodation blocks with dedicated air source heat pumps.
To learn more about this groundbreaking work, we invite you to watch our detailed video on the decarbonisation efforts above.
The University of West London stands out to me as it not only met that criteria but was able to incorporate a mini rewilding project to cover the boreholes that were dug for the ground source heat pump. This to me highlighted a holistic approach to sustainability that goes above and beyond
