Through renewable energy, we are making progress on our journey to net zero

In 2021 we developed our Sustainability Sub-Strategy and made a commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2035. Since then, we've implemented several projects and you can read past updates here. We are really proud of both our commitment and the progress we have achieved to date. It is not an easy task, and there is still a way to go, but can all feel confident that the environmental impact of our energy consumption is falling.

At its peak in 2012/13, our carbon emissions from electricity and gas reached 18,851 tonnes of CO2e; that's equivalent to roughly four space shuttle flights. Our emissions are now less than half that: in 2023/24 it was down to 8,358 tCO2e. Improving the energy efficiency of our buildings and focusing on low carbon electricity is a large part of our strategy for net zero, and generating electricity on-site ensures we are addressing our financial sustainability too. We're excited to tell you about our latest solar photovoltaic (PV) array, which has boosted our renewable electricity generation from 4% to 8%.

What have we done?

A new solar photovoltaic (PV) installation across roofs at our South Courts accommodation has been completed. This is forecasted to generate around 630,000kWh of electricity per year, which is enough to power roughly 230 houses. Developed in collaboration between the Sustainability and Estates teams, with input from Accommodation, it was a real team effort. The installation was delivered by local contractors EPPH, who are experts in renewables projects, although this was the biggest project they have delivered to date.

Project Manager, Marcus Clayton, says:

“There were many factors to get right with this project, and spending time carefully planning was essential. We worked with lots of stakeholders from across the university to make sure that once work started the impact on those living in South Courts we minimised - the work had to be done while students were living there and keeping disruption to a minimum was on everyone's minds. EPPH did a superb job and it's really exciting that so much electricity is being generated at Colchester to power our students' education.”

Why does it matter?

Generating our own electricity means that we can reduce our reliance on the national grid and lower our carbon emissions, contributing to our net zero goal. This new installation will cut over 135 tonnes of our carbon impact annually. It will also contribute to a reduction in our spend on energy - roughly £150,000 each year at current prices, and protects us from future prices increases, which is especially important at the moment.

Rob Davey, Director of Sustainability says:

“Current and future students care deeply about the environment and this project demonstrates the University is continuing to reduce its carbon emissions and environmental impact and reducing spend on energy at a critical time. The fantastic installation at South Courts is the largest installation the University has undertaken to date and thanks to the sloped roofs the panels can be seen from the ground, giving current and prospective students chance to see we are serious about our declaration of a climate emergency."

What is next?

Planning is already underway for further installations across our three campuses, with the aim of installing solar PV panels on all viable roofs in the coming years. We have set ourselves a goal to generate 25% of our electricity from renewables by 2028. Becoming more energy efficient and installing more solar PV will help us on this journey. Our community can contribute to achieving our targets by using less electricity in their day-to-day work and study.

You can read more about our sustainability commitments on our webpages, and read previous blogs for updates on past projects.