£875k grant to support Teesside University’s Net Zero ambitions

Teesside University’s ambitions to become a net zero campus are a step closer to being realised thanks to an £875k grant to make student residences more energy efficient.

It was announced today (Wednesday) that the University was given the funding as part of £1.8bn awarded by the Government to boost the energy efficiency and cut emissions of homes and public buildings across England.

Teesside University was given its funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme which is initiated by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, aimed at helping public sector buildings drive down their carbon emissions.

The funding will be used to replace the existing gas heating systems at Woodlands Halls student accommodation with air source heat pumps and electric boilers. Cavity wall and loft insulation, and double glazing, will also be installed to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings.

Teesside University places sustainability at the heart of all its operations and all new developments on its campus have achieved the building sustainability rating standard (BREEAM) with sustainable procurement practices embedded throughout its £280m masterplan projects.

This sustainability drive has seen the University reduce its carbon emissions by almost a third, as well as reduce water usage by 142k cubic metres and achieve Ecocampus Gold status.

Woodlands Halls consists of seven buildings housing more than 250 students in single, ensuite rooms and the £875k Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant will play a significant role in improving their energy efficiency.

Malcolm Page, Chief Operating Officer at Teesside University, said: “Teesside University is playing a leading role in driving the decarbonisation of the Tees Valley through our research and innovation expertise and strategic assets such as our new £13.1m Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre.

“It is important that we lead by example and we aim to embed sustainable development in all that we do at Teesside University.

“Therefore, we are delighted to have received this funding which will complement our sustainability strategy by reducing our environmental impact and support our ultimate ambition for a net zero campus.”

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme aims to support the Government’s commitment to reduce emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037, compared to 2017 levels.

The scheme is being delivered on behalf of the government by Salix Finance.

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said: “The UK is truly a world-leader when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and the progress we’ve made over the last decade has been remarkable. But we can’t rest on our laurels and must continue to drive forward progress, setting a standard for other countries to follow.

“Reaching net zero means considerable action from the public sector as well as private sector. Through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding allocation announced today, we are empowering public bodies to save the taxpayer hundreds of millions while packing a punch on our ambitious and necessary climate goals.”

Salix Finance Chief Executive Annie Shepperd OBE, added: “There is a huge amount of passion and expertise in the green energy sector, and Salix is proud to be supporting the hundreds of decarbonisation projects that have been made possible through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. Each one represents the best evidence of government and public bodies working together to achieve great things.”

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