University of Kent working with Siemens to cut carbon by 50%
Ambitious carbon reduction strategy in place for university campuses in Canterbury and Medway, thanks to pioneering tech
Technology company Siemens has partnered with the University of Kent on a strategy to cut carbon emissions by half. Based on an extensive audit of the university’s energy performance, the programme will begin with the installation of LED lighting in all buildings on the Canterbury and Medway campuses, as well as upgrades being made to the building management system controllers that oversee heating, lighting and security systems.
Photo courtesy University of Kent
In addition, the initiative will also see optimisation of spaces and an updated metering system to optimise energy use across the university estate. The installation of new solar panels is expected to generate more than 675,000kWh each year, which the university says is enough electricity to power more than 7,708 LED bulbs for a year. The energy generated will all be used on site by the university, reducing costs as well as carbon.
In doing all this, the partnership with Siemens supports the university’s target to achieve net zero emissions, in distinct stages. In the immediate term, it aims to reduce emissions by at least 50% by 2030, compared to a baseline from 2018-19.
By 2040, it aims to achieve net zero in so-called Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 1 emissions are those directly related to and controlled or owned by an organisation, through its buildings, facilities and vehicles. Scope 2 emissions are indirect, such as through the procurement of energy and heating.
Scope 3 emissions are those not controlled or owned by the organisation but that the organisation indirectly affects through its activities. Examples include business travel, leased assets, franchises and investments. The University of Kent aims to reach net zero scope 3 emissions by 2050.
This is an ambitious programme but the university is confident of meeting these goals. The new partnership with Siemens is just part of the effort to be more sustainable. Indeed, this year the university saved more than 636 tonnes of furniture through its Warp-it scheme. It also transferred to a carbon-neutral shuttle service and published a sustainable food plan for a ‘plant forward’ approach to food served on campus. Work to restore green spaces on campus include the River of Vegetation and Kent Community Oasis Garden initiatives.
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Interim Vice Chancellor and President, says: ‘Our partnership with Siemens is central to our commitment to embed carbon reduction across our operations and place sustainability at the heart of our decision making. We have unique strengths as a university in tackling climate change and are determined to bring together the talent and endeavour of staff, students and the wider community to make a tangible impact. This includes developing an estate which is fit for the future, embracing modern technology and external partnerships where they can act as a catalyst to delivering our mission.’
Andrew Smyth, Head of Sustainability, SI-Buildings GB&I at Siemens UK and Ireland, adds: ‘Decarbonising large estates represents a huge challenge for the higher education sector, and this type of collaboration will be vital in supporting institutions across the UK in achieving net zero. Our strategic plan puts the University on a path to eliminating emissions while reducing fixed costs, improving energy demand management and updating ageing infrastructure through digital transformation. This will not only reshape the university’s relationship with its campus estate but will form the basis of its efforts to achieve net zero through innovation and sustainable investment. We look forward to continuing to support the organisation on this journey in the years ahead.’
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