University of Wolverhampton marks major decarbonisation milestone as Salix visits £11m Walsall Campus project

We reviewed progress across the site, including the completion of all rooftop solar installations and the laying of new district heating pipework

The University of Wolverhampton has reached a significant milestone in its £11 million decarbonisation programme at its Walsall Campus, following a site visit from Salix – as we deliver the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Backed by £8.6 million of funding through Phase 3c of the scheme, the funding is transforming the campus estate through the installation of low-carbon technologies. These include an air-to-water cascade heat pump system, an expanded low-carbon heat network, rooftop solar photovoltaics, and a range of energy efficiency measures.

The project is expected to cut carbon emissions by more than 1,000 tonnes per year, marking a major step forward in the university’s journey towards net zero.

Our visit highlights strong progress

During our visit, we reviewed progress across the site, including the completion of all rooftop solar installations, the laying of new district heating pipework and preparation works for the heat pump compound base.

The next phases will see construction of the compound, installation of the heat pumps and full system commissioning, with the project on track for completion in autumn 2026.

Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger, praised the ambition and long-term vision behind the works.

He said: “It’s inspiring to see the progress being made at the university and the vision that has driven the work.

“These decarbonisation plans are taking the long view, making sure the campus is fit for the students and teams today and for the future. By investing in low-carbon heating, improved energy efficiency and modern infrastructure, the university is reducing its carbon footprint while also lowering running costs and improving resilience against future energy price volatility.

“This work will make a tangible difference to the whole campus community, creating warmer, more comfortable buildings in winter, better learning and working environments year-round, and healthier spaces overall.”

University of Wolverhampton, chief operating officer Dr Pete Cross, said: “This project represents an important and tangible step forward in our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and operating more sustainably. 

“The scale of the decarbonisation works at Walsall Campus demonstrates our determination to invest in long-term, future-focused solutions that benefit both our university community and the wider region.

“We are extremely grateful for the support from Salix and the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, without which this transformative project simply would not have been possible.”

The programme is being delivered in partnership with Vital Energi, which is leading the installation of the multi-technology solution across the campus.

Creating a ‘living lab’ for sustainability

As part of the project, a new ‘living lab’ will be established, providing students, staff and researchers with a real-world environment to study sustainability technologies, monitor energy performance and contribute to ongoing improvements across the estate.

Looking ahead, the university plans to build on the momentum generated through Salix-backed funding, with a new masterplan for the Walsall Campus set to explore further opportunities to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy performance and create a more sustainable estate for generations to come.