The University of West London (UWL) has introduced low-emission heating and ventilation systems allowing it to create renewable energy sources and upgrade to low-energy lighting.
It means the University is now capable of generating enough energy to heat an estimated 70 homes every year, a statement said.
The work, which also included removal of antiquated gas boilers, will help improve air quality around UWL’s main sites in Ealing and Brentford, it added. The project has also been recognised as the top decarbonisation project in the higher education sector after receiving the Highly Commended award in the Energy Managers Association (EMA) Decarbonisation Project 2021 category.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter John, said: “As a University, we are taking a leading role in our community and doing our bit to tackle the global climate crisis and build a better future.
“While there is still a long way to go, this major decarbonisation project will allow us to create our own renewable electricity and run our buildings more efficiently which is going to have a considerable impact here in West London, and further afield.”
The ambitious retrofit covers UWL’s four sites – St Mary’s Road Campus, Vestry Hall, Drama Studio London, and Paragon House and was made possible thanks to a £5million award from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
Business and Energy Minister Lord Callanan added: “Reducing emissions from public sector buildings is crucial to us reaching net zero by 2050, so it’s great to see the University of West London become more energy efficient.
“Backed by more than £5 million in government funding, the university’s decarbonisation project is a prime example of how we’re supporting the sector to implement new measures that will help us all in the fight against climate change.”
Those involved with the project include Ameresco, as principal contractor and designer, NIBE Energy Systems, who supplied the heat pumps and solar PVT, and JKN Renewables who undertook the design, installation and commissioning of the system.
Managing director at NIBE, Phil Hurley, said: “This project sets a shining example of the benefits of combining PVT with heat pumps by delivering substantial carbon and energy savings. The PVT collector system is an alternative, innovative heat source for use with NIBE ground source heat pumps, harvesting solar energy from the sun to generate electricity while extracting aerothermal heat energy to drive the heat pump process.
“During a particularly important year for climate action, it is a real pleasure to have played a part in delivering what we believe is the largest PVT project of its kind in the world.”