University of East London partners with Siemens to design and install water source heat pump in the River Thames
The University of East London (UEL) is working with global technology company Siemens to produce a water source heat pump (WSHP) to help power the Docklands Campus Library and Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability. With existing green energy infrastructure already at these sites, the installation will see the campus achieve net zero carbon emissions.
Photo courtesy of Siemens
This new WSHP will be the largest such heat pump at any university. The closed-loop system will use a series of pipes to extract natural heat from the water of the Royal Albert Docks – without removing large quantities of water itself. The resultant, cost-effective heating system is expected to reduce annual emissions of CO2 by the equivalent of 258 tonnes.
The new system is also scalable, meaning that UEL could extend the initiative with similar heat pump systems across the campus and wider Royal Docks area – the only Enterprise Zone in London.
The project is part of a long-term partnership with Siemens to support the university’s transition to net zero by 2030. Through the partnership, established in 2022, a range of decarbonisation strategies have already been deployed across the campus, including building management systems, EV charging infrastructure and solar PV.
Siemens is also using its Building X digital building platform to provide UEL with a better understanding of its energy consumption, as well as to drive research and enterprise programmes. Building X is designed to digitalise, manage, and optimise building operations, integrating various applications and services such as energy management, security management and building automation. The aim is to create a unified data environment that enhances accuracy and efficiency, enhances user experience, increases performance and improves sustainability.
As a result of such efforts, UEL has already reduced its CO₂ emissions and carbon-producing energy consumption more than any other modern London university. By next year, it is expected to achieve the lowest emissions per student in the UK. That will put it well on track to achieve its 2030 net zero targets.
In addition, the partnership aims to demonstrate a clear, replicable blueprint for sustainability. Partnership initiatives are saving UEL more than £500,000 per year in utility costs while reducing emissions by more than 1,000 tonnes equivalent annually. The partnership has also spurred a range of successful green employability, enterprise and research initiatives. These include student internships, MSc sponsorships, hackathons and the creation of a ‘Living Lab’ for training and research on sustainability.
What’s more, the project supports the Mayor of London’s vision for a greener, more sustainable capital, advancing his commitment to cleaner air, renewable energy and achieving net zero by 2030.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, says: ‘London is leading the way in the fight against climate change, and projects like this pioneering partnership between the University of East London and Siemens are key to our city’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of the River Thames to heat university buildings, this initiative demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can drive real progress towards net zero. It not only reduces carbon emissions but also sets a powerful example of how London’s institutions can embrace cutting-edge, clean energy solutions to build a better, fairer and greener city for all Londoners.’
Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor & President of the University of East London, adds: ‘We are committed to driving forward sustainable innovation that not only reduces our environmental impact but also creates a living laboratory for the next generation of climate leaders. This Water Source Heat Pump demonstrates how universities can be at the forefront of the green energy transition, harnessing our natural surroundings to drive real change. Through our strategic partnership with Siemens, we are accelerating towards our 2030 net zero targets, delivering cutting-edge solutions that will benefit all the communities we serve, and the planet.’
Andrew Smyth, Head of Sustainability for Smart Infrastructure Buildings at Siemens UK and Ireland, says: ‘Decarbonising heating systems is a critical step towards achieving net zero carbon emissions. The University of East London has a fantastic resource in the Thames, right on its doorstep. Harnessing renewable power from the water allows it to take huge steps towards its net zero goals.
‘The investment is underpinned by our long-term strategic partnership. And it demonstrates how data-led insights of buildings and energy consumption provide heightened confidence in deploying large-scale renewables technologies like Water Source Heat Pumps. The programme is setting the blueprint for how sustainability can be a catalyst for fantastic collaboration and innovation between businesses and universities.’
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