Cardiff University’s decarbonisation efforts take centre stage during visit by Deputy First Minister
Cardiff University’s vibrant campus became the setting for a key milestone in Wales’ net zero journey this week
The university’s ongoing efforts to decarbonise were brought into sharp focus as Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS (Member of the Senedd) and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, visited the campus to witness the progress of sustainability projects.
The visit showcased the impact of the £12.2m loan received through the Welsh Government’s Digarbon scheme, which is part of Cardiff University’s strategy to achieve net zero emissions.
The Welsh Government’s Digarbon scheme, a £20 million initiative, supports higher- and further-education institutions in Wales in their pursuit of sustainability goals. By providing loans for projects focused on heat decarbonisation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure, the scheme plays a pivotal role in the country’s ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
I'm really pleased to announce £20m of loan funding to higher education establishments to support them in reducing emissions and playing their part in tackling the climate emergency. This is part of a wider journey to drive down carbon emissions across the whole public sector. It’s a huge challenge but by working together, I know we can achieve this. I would urge others to follow in the footsteps of organisations like Cardiff University.
Our Salix team joined the visit at Cardiff University, where the funding is being used to support energy efficiency upgrades to the Tower and Law buildings, both located in Cathays Park, a designated conservation area.
The visit started with a look at the Main Building, where we were introduced to the university’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The charging stations, part of the wider decarbonisation programme, demonstrate Cardiff University’s ongoing efforts to electrify its fleet and reduce emissions from transport.
The tour continued at the Tower Building, a central focus of the university’s Digarbon-funded projects. The Tower and Law buildings have already benefited from previous decarbonisation efforts, such as LED lighting upgrades, and this project builds on the £10m loan, £8.8m of which was secured through Salix, for other energy conservation measures, including solar PV, motor controls, and pipework insulation.
Walking through the corridors, we also learned about the upcoming installations, made possible by Digarbon funding, including the replacement of single-glazed windows with new double-glazed units.
Looking ahead, the second phase of the project, scheduled to run until March 2028, is a critical step in preparing the Cathays Park campus for the installation of low-carbon heating systems including heat pumps.
This phase will ensure that the university's decarbonisation efforts align with broader net zero ambitions and set the stage for future sustainable development.
Salix, which has been instrumental in supporting public sector decarbonisation across the UK, is proud to supportorganisations like Cardiff University in implementing these projects.
The university is among the four successful applicants to have been offered Digarbon funding, joining Swansea University, University of Wales Trinity St David, and the Royal College of Music and Drama.
Anita Edson, director of estates & campus facilities at the University, said: “Universities play a vital role in the push to net zero. The work being done here is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it’s about creating a model of sustainability that can be replicated across the public sector.
“Our net zero ambition by 2030 is integral to our identity as a university, and these investments are crucial in ensuring we stay on track. Moving forward, we hope to introduce a heat network, which will only be possible following the fabric-first approach we have taken with the Digarbon.”
I’m so proud of the work our education institutions are doing to tackle climate change.
Cardiff University is showing what can be achieved with this funding, not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to save money by reducing energy consumption.
We are committed to working with the higher and further education sector to make sure they can benefit from cost saving energy efficiencies.
At Salix, we understand the importance of supporting projects that not only meet immediate needs but also create long-term value for communities and future generations. The work taking place at Cardiff University is a testament to the power of strategic investment and collaboration.
Kirsty Adamson, senior programme manager at Salix, spoke about the far-reaching significance of these initiatives.
She said: “These decarbonisation projects are integral to helping Wales meet its ambitious net zero targets.
“The funding we’ve facilitated through the Welsh Government not only supports operational improvements at Cardiff University but helps accelerate the shift towards a low-carbon economy.
“The work underway here is a vital part of building a sustainable future, for Cardiff, for Wales, and for future generations.”
As the university moves towards a net zero future, its efforts are helping to create a blueprint for other organisations to follow—ensuring that Wales can meet its climate targets and build a more sustainable future for all.
Photo credit ©CrownCopyright