Getting connected at Coventry University
Our Salix team visited the campus to talk through ambitious Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme plans
It’s all about connections and long-term vision at Coventry University, where the institution is tapping into a city network to power its buildings thanks to a government grant.
In 2024 Coventry University was awarded a £13m grant under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to help reach its 2030 net zero targets.
The funds have been put towards the installation of almost 800 new solar panels, new energy efficient windows and, most crucially, connecting 11 Coventry University buildings to the city’s district energy network.
It is hoped the overall scheme will reduce Coventry University Group’s carbon emissions by more than 1,300 tonnes per year – more than a fifth of its annual carbon emissions arising from the use of fossil fuels.
Not only will these measures save energy and carbon for many years to come, they help improve the long-term sustainability of the university.
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by our teams at Salix.
Although the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme project at Coventry is expected to complete fully in March 2026, significant progress has already been made. We could not wait to visit four of the 11 city centre sites to discover first-hand how the project is transforming the operation and utilisation of the university’s numerous buildings.
Climate change goals
During our tour we met Paul Hinson, the university’s senior project manager, and Michael Checkley, energy manager, who explained what the grant meant for the site.
Paul said: “Since July, we have been working tirelessly with our consultant design team to get the drawings and specifications for the windows and solar PV packages out to tender, analysed and awarded with contractors mobilised.
“Today, we can truly see and appreciate the remarkable impact the newly installed windows have, not only in the building’s improved thermal comfort and absence of draughts but also in the significant reduction in noise levels - a testament to our ongoing commitment to enhance the overall teaching and learning experience for our students and colleagues.”
This would significantly help support the goals outlined in the Group’s Decarbonisation Strategy, which was published in March 2024.
Today, we can truly see and appreciate the remarkable impact the newly installed windows have, not only in the building’s improved thermal comfort and absence of draughts but also in the significant reduction in noise levels.
This would significantly help support the goals outlined in the Group’s Decarbonisation Strategy, which was published in March 2024.
Heat network and buildings
The district energy network is a 6.6km underground heat system. This transports waste heat from the city’s municipal incinerator to supply energy to major public buildings and, in delivering this, has only one sixth of the carbon emissions of natural gas.
Overall, it’s a clever and efficient way of using waste heat and significantly reduces carbon emissions. It’s a win-win.
For a university renowned for its sustainability research, addressing issues closer to home, even on its own campus, is vitally important.
The buildings that will connect to the network include The Hub, the Alma building, the Cycle Works, Elm Bank, the Sir Frank Whittle building, the Student Centre, the Charles Ward building, the George Eliot building and three Priory buildings.
During our tour we also had the chance to visit the Sir Frank Whittle building, which is a busy hub and includes lecture theatres, teaching rooms, computer rooms, laboratory and workshops.
Here we accessed the roof where work was in progress for the solar PVs which are about to begin operation. When the solar PV arrays on all five roofs are fully commissioned it’s expected the university will avoid around £90,000 of grid electricity costs and save 60 tonnes of carbon emissions through generating zero carbon power and consuming all of it on site.
Challenges
Paul and Michael explained some of the challenges the university has faced during the work, including issues regarding procurement.
Michael said: “The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding came at just the right time as it has allowed us to kick off our ambitious decarbonisation plans in a decisive way. To help get the project off the blocks quickly it was invaluable that we collaborated with colleagues in procurement and legal early on and ensured they remained part of the process as the project gathered speed.
“Engaging our students, colleagues and the community is fundamental to how we work. The installation of efficient glazing and hundreds of solar panels reflects this, with students and staff already keen to learn more and to get involved going forward.”
The Group’s commitment to delivering a cleaner future extends beyond solar and heat networks with ongoing efforts in key areas such as green battery technology, hydrogen fuel and sustainable transport technologies.
Our Salix programme manager Liam Gillard said: “It was great to visit Coventry University and see firsthand the progress made in delivering their Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme project.
“The window replacement at Elm Bank is advancing well and it was noticeable the benefit the indoor environment will have from the improved insulation.
"We look forward to seeing further development as the university connects to the Coventry district heat network that will help it meet its net zero target by 2030.”
At Coventry University Group, sustainability is not just a buzzword - it is central to their mission, vision and ethos. Like other universities across the country, they are a pioneering force for sustainable research and are committed to empowering their students to help mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change in the UK and across the globe.
Coventry University’s work, as with others, is vital to how the UK moves forward at a time when climate challenges have never been more pressing.
Thank you to Coventry University for hosting our Salix team and taking the time to show us the incredible ongoing work on campus.
The window replacement at Elm Bank is advancing well and it was noticeable the benefit the indoor environment will have from the improved insulation.
