UWE Bristol has set out an ambitious decarbonisation programme, aiming to be carbon neutral with zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The University has become known for its flagship carbon reduction projects and has won accolades for its sustainability achievements. We sat down with the University’s Energy Manager Kirsti Norris to talk about UWE’s proactive approach to sustainability.
UWE Bristol has set ambitious carbon reduction targets. How is your decarbonisation strategy progressing?
In 2020 we incorporated net zero targets into the UWE Bristol corporate strategy and we declared a climate and ecological emergency. Those two big commitments were game changers and provided a strong framework to set ambitious targets. Since then, we’ve made great headway. This has been helped by utility prices going crazy which has focussed the University’s attention on where we are spending money.
More recently we issued a two-year Climate and Sustainability Plan (2024-2026) which provides us with a more targeted focus to support our longer-range targets.
How important has the Passivhaus development been to your carbon reduction strategy?
When we set out on redeveloping the Frenchay campus we developed our own sustainability standard for the project. The Passivhaus accreditation came out as the most useful indication of energy reduction. This also enabled us to focus on quality of living experience.
The Passivhaus development has become the largest of its kind in the UK and one of the largest in Europe. It’s become a big symbol of our carbon reduction commitment. We’re all so proud of the project and keen to showcase it to the higher education sector. If the development paves the way for others in the sector to consider doing this, that is really satisfying to us.
How is UWE Bristol tackling the challenging area of heat decarbonisation?
Heat is crucial to our decarbonisation challenge. We are taking several different approaches to tackle this.
It’s important to replace all our gas boilers. We have just removed a further 60 boilers through the extension of the district heat network on the Frenchay campus which puts the majority of the site now on the gas CHP. The longer-term view is to switch that out for a more sustainable heat source. Our Passivhaus development at Frenchay is electric so we are open to different approaches to the challenge. At the City Campus, we have plans to connect to wider heat network schemes where these are in development, and for the Bower Ashton campus to use air source heat pumps.
How have you engaged students and staff with UWE’s ambitious carbon reduction plans?
We have worked with colleagues to understand their sphere of influence on our sustainability targets in their particular area of operation, using this as the basis to engage staff and students with our Scope 3 carbon reduction targets which are about procurement, travel and changing the way we do things.. We are continually introducing more sustainable transport options and using the estate as a living lab so that students can use our sustainability work for their research.
Students have become increasingly concerned about climate change. In fact, a recent survey showed that over 50% of UWE Bristol students researched the University’s sustainability credentials before they applied for their courses.
How has TEC supported UWE Bristol with its carbon reduction plans?
TEC is in a unique position to bring the sector together and share success. The TEC Conference was a brilliant opportunity to meet lots of super passionate people in this field and share experience.
I think connecting with other universities and learning and supporting each other is so important. None of us are looking to reinvent the wheel. As an energy or sustainability manager you can be a lone figure in the university and it is nice to check in with your peers and TEC helps facilitate those conversations.
What has been the key to success so far for UWE’s Sustainability efforts?
Without doubt it is the amazingly passionate and skilled colleagues at UWE. We are lucky to have people who really care about the University’s sustainability and go above and beyond to achieve our goals. We also have an incredibly supportive senior team which has been instrumental in our success.
What advice would you give to other universities setting out on their net zero journey?
Be bold. It’s much easier to get behind a big bold ambition than an uninspired wishy washy one. If your institution hits those targets that’s great but even if you get some way towards those goals, that is a big achievement. It’s also crucial to get senior leaders on board and to demonstrate to them that you recognise and understand the financial climate.
What help could the next government give to higher education institutions to support their decarbonisation efforts?
Making reporting carbon targets mandatory for universities or enforceable benchmarks in the sector would make a big difference. It would also be useful to have more of a planned investment programme rather than pitching on a one off for some funding. Having a proper process to pitch for a longer-term plan without necessarily competing with others in the sector would be a great start.
