Coventry University switches to low carbon heat network
Coventry University campus is now linked to the City District Energy Network to help reduce emissions
Coventry University has completed work to connect its campus to the city’s district energy network which is expected to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support long-term sustainability in the city centre.
The development forms part of the university’s goal to reach net zero emissions by 2030 and is expected to cut carbon emissions by more than 1,300 tonnes each year, representing over 20% of the university’s annual emissions from fossil fuel heating.
It also creates the potential for parts of the Hillfields community to access low-carbon heating in the future, which could help lower energy costs and improve sustainability locally.
The project received nearly £13 million in funding from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and was delivered in partnership with Bring Energy.
Dr Clive Winters, Pro Vice Chancellor (Strategy and Governance), said: “This project has been a major undertaking and reaching this milestone simply wouldn’t have been possible without the patience and support of our staff, students and local community.
"The long term benefits - for our city centre, net zero ambitions and future generations - make this a truly transformative moment for Coventry.”
The district energy network supplies heat from Coventry’s Energy from Waste facility on London Road through a 6.6km underground system.
Eleven university buildings are now connected, including teaching spaces, student facilities, and residential halls. These buildings have moved from gas boilers to the new system, which produces significantly lower carbon emissions.
This work marks the completion of the first phase of the university’s connection to the network. The system has been designed to allow further expansion if needed.
As part of the project, pipework has also been installed in the Hillfields area. This could allow local homes and community buildings to connect to the network in the future, potentially helping to reduce emissions and stabilise heating costs.
Dr Winters added: “Completing this connection to Coventry’s district energy network is a significant milestone in our journey to become net zero by 2030.
"By moving away from gas and onto low carbon district heat, we are immediately reducing our carbon emissions and strengthening the long term resilience of our campus.
"This investment benefits our staff and students, who repeatedly tell us sustainability matters to them, and opens the door to future community benefit in the Hillfields area of our city.”