Hundreds of energy efficiency projects propel leading global university towards net zero 2035 target

The University of Birmingham has reduced its carbon emissions by over 3,000 tonnes annually thanks to delivery of more than 200 projects funded through the England Recycling Fund over the last 16 years.

Since first opening their England Recycling Fund in 2008, the university has completed a total of 226 projects which are expected to save a combined total of 3,024 in carbon emissions annually. 

Projects have focussed on a range of energy efficiency measures including LED lighting, insulation, and upgrades to controls and equipment in various buildings across the university’s Edgbaston campus. 

Jim Sharman, decarbonisation and sustainability manager at the University of Birmingham, said: “The range of projects we have implemented with the help of Salix Recycling Fund funding means that we are well positioned to make the next steps towards tackling net zero.”

A proud world ‘top-100’ university, the University of Birmingham is characterised by its tradition of research and innovation. This approach carries through in their response to the climate crisis, where university research is working to understand the impact of climate change on the planet and its people. Researchers are also developing new technologies to decarbonise energy and transport in partnership with industry and government.

Jim added: “There is huge enthusiasm for getting projects over the line and to ensure we can make full use of the fund.”

To support the projects, the university have utilised a total Recycling Fund loan value of £4 million. Funding is delivered by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. 

With the focus now moving toward larger projects with higher emission reduction values, the university is confident that projects completed through their Recycling Fund, coupled with lessons learned and opportunities identified, will support them on their journey to create a net zero estate. 

Meabh Poultney, client support officer at Salix, said: “The University of Birmingham have used their Recycling Fund to complete an extraordinary number and range of projects.

“I look forward to seeing what they move to address next as they continue to build upon these projects and strive toward their net zero goals.” 

About the England Recycling Fund

The England Recycling Fund is a loan-based, ring-fenced fund, created with capital provided on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero through Salix, and matched by the public sector organisation. It encourages organisations to re-invest financial savings that result from projects into further decarbonisation and energy efficiency projects, thus operating in a cyclic “recycled” manner.

Recycling funds have financed over 11,000 projects worth more than £267 million. The average fund has been recycled over three times, and, when combined, our recycling fund projects save over 296,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every single year.