Summary
In an effort to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030, the University of West London (UWL) partnered with Ameresco to design and develop a decarbonisation project. Covering four sites on UWL’s campus, the retrofit encompassed energy efficient upgrades and integrating renewable energy sources to replace its ageing heating, ventilation and lighting systems. Estimated to reduce over 500 tonnes of CO2 annually, the project was recognised by the Energy Managers Association’s (EMA) Energy Management Awards receiving the Highly Commended designation in the Decarbonisation Project category.
“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.”
– Professor Peter John, CBE
Vice-Chancellor, University of West London
529.3 Tonnes
Annual CO2 Reduction
584
Solar Panels
~3,110,000 kWh
Annual Gas Savings
£5,000,000
Energy Project Size
Customer Benefits
This transformation will save UWL an estimated 500 tonnes of CO2 annually and will improve the air quality around the University’s main sites in Ealing and Brentford, supporting the region’s transition to a low carbon economy. The project was also recognised as a top decarbonsation project in the higher education sector by the Energy Managers Association. Other benefits include:
- Annual reduction of CO2 equal to the planting of 25,000 trees
- Annual energy reduction equivalent to heating 70 homes
- 9,460 tonnes of CO2 saved across equipment lifetime
- £496/te CO2LT in cost per lifetime tonne of CO2
- Enhanced learning environment with lighting upgrades
- Supports UWL’s net zero by 2030 goal and the region’s net zero by 2050 goal for public sector buildings
- Positions UWL as a leader in higher education addressing global climate crisis
Solution
To improve air quality around the borough, Ameresco partnered with NIBE Energy Systems and JKN Renewables, Ltd. to replace antiquated gas boilers with ground source heat pumps along with the installation of solar panels to reduce nitrogen oxide pollution. Made possible by a £5 million award from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the project covered four sites of the UWL campus creating renewable energy sources with low-emission heating and ventilation systems in the ageing buildings.
- Replaced gas boilers with ground source heat pumps
- Installed 580 solar PVT panels
- Upgraded lighting fixtures
