Net zero a top priority at the University of St Andrews

Short video showcases how funding unlocks successful decarbonisation projects at the University of St Andrews

A short film released by Salix has highlighted the importance of financial investment and funding in future-focused projects at one of the UK’s oldest universities.

Founded more than seven centuries ago in 1413, the University of St Andrews has taken steps to embed sustainability within their institutional strategy. 

The one-minute film spotlights some of the decarbonisation works that have been made possible thanks to funding delivered by Salix on behalf of the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council. 

University of St Andrews sustainability integration manager Keith Thomason said: “as we transition as a society to net zero, funding is absolutely essential.

“You can come up with a lot of good ideas, but if you can’t fund them, you can’t make them happen.”

The university have set a net zero target a decade ahead of Scotland’s national target of 2045, meaning they are planning to ensure they are absorbing as many greenhouse gasses as they are producing in just 11 years’ time. 

To support their net zero ambitions, the university recognised that they needed some large-scale projects, specifically projects that addressed the production of heat and electricity on mass.

The video features two of these projects: their biomass plant, which generates heat for 50 of the university’s buildings, and a solar PV array which generates renewable energy to provide power to their campus.

The biomass plant operates in place of traditional gas boilers, burning locally-sourced wood chip to heat university buildings situated in the town centre over 5km away. At the time of filming, the plant had been operational for almost six years, over which time it had saved 25,000 tonnes of carbon. 

The solar array is made up of around 2,200 solar panels and is located on 10,000 square metres of reclaimed land. Energy generated through the array saves the university around £150,000 on their energy bills and 200 tonnes of carbon emissions every single year.

The video also highlights the University’s emphasis on the big picture in terms of how these projects are working to tackle climate change, ensuring that whilst we understand that net zero is the goal, we remain connected with why we want to get there.

University chief operating officer Derek Watson said: “Saving the world is quite a big priority, and leading the way to show how we can be more efficient is important.”

Watch The University of St Andrews’ short film above or head to the Salix Youtube to see the full feature film. The full film also features stories from public sector organisations in Glasgow and Edinburgh.