UK universities pioneer energy efficiency and transform spaces with innovative solutions

Financial investment is the key in unlocking potential at UK-based universities aiming to reach net zero by 2050.

This was the clear message at this week’s Universities, sustainability and the climate emergency 2024 online conference, which brought together staff working in sustainability and climate change from higher education institutions across the UK.

Hosted by Universities UK, speakers from a variety of organisations presented on an array of topics, including our own Hayley Bristow-Grant, who participated in a 45-minute session focused on investment in climate sustainability within institutions.

Dozens of participants joined this week’s session, which tackled pioneering energy efficiency and user engagement in institutions, and transforming spaces with smart energy solutions.

In her segment, Hayley touched on the funding schemes that we deliver on behalf of government, how they may benefit the higher education sector, and shared advice ––from lessons learned from past projects.

Hayley said: “There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the decarbonisation of your estate.

“It’s important to assess what the most appropriate solution is for your buildings, your campus and your people.”

The Low Carbon Skills Fund and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme were cited as two of funding schemes which could provide significant benefit. The Low Carbon Skills Fund can be key, particularly where internal knowledge and resourcing means creating a robust decarbonisation action plan is a challenge.

The session was chaired by deputy director, policy at Universities UK Julie Tam, with Andy Nolan, chair of AUDE sustainability advisory group and Dr Zsuzsa Mayer, founder and director of product development at EcoSync also speaking on the topic.

All speakers reflected on their own experience, and leaned into the knowledge/insight of others to share information and talk realistically about the opportunities and challenges the sector is facing in reaching the net zero targets that have been set.

Hayley added: “Our work supports organisations to draw on a range of experience and lessons learned, both within higher education and other public sector organisations as well.”

All speakers also touched on the positive impacts that decarbonisation projects can have on the communities they impact, including how lower energy bills the free up finances for other areas of operations, the improved wellbeing of staff and students using these warmer, brighter spaces, and the educational element this provides to those on the campus too.

Additionally, Hayley highlighted the importance of addressing behavioural change alongside the technology and energy efficiency measures many projects implement.

Hayley said: “Remember the importance of behavioural change too – it’s not just about installing new technologies to ‘fix’ the issues, it’s about educating students, and educating staff, the basics that accompany these measures and contribute to the overall change.”

Visit our website for further information on funding schemes delivered by Salix.

The Universities, sustainability and the climate emergency 2024 conference was held via Zoom on Thursday 18 January 2024.