The University is taking a meaningful step forward in its commitment to sustainability, announcing an important investment to help decarbonise and secure its long term electricity supply. As part of this work, the University has now moved its electricity tariff to UK generated renewable energy and is actively exploring opportunities to generate more clean energy on campus.

This decision comes at a moment when global events have repeatedly exposed the fragility of relying on fossil fuels. Over recent years, multiple international crises have disrupted energy markets, underscoring how dependent society remains on carbon intensive sources despite efforts to transition away from them. Combined with the escalating impacts of climate change, the need for decisive leadership on renewables and electrification has never been clearer.

A positive step on our sustainability journey

Our staff and student community has consistently called for bold action to reduce energy use and improve the sustainability of how we source it. This investment is a direct response to that call: it is a demonstration that we are prepared to lead with integrity and match our commitments with meaningful action.

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Phil Taylor, said “This is a pivotal moment for our University. Moving to a UK renewable electricity tariff is a statement of intent. We are choosing to lead, to invest at scale, and to take responsibility for the impact we have on the world. Our community has asked us to be ambitious, and this is one of the many steps we are taking to honour that expectation.”

This shift in electricity sourcing is only one part of a much larger picture. Our priority remains clear: reducing the energy we use in the first place. Cutting our energy demand is the most effective and sustainable way to reduce emissions, manage costs, and build resilience.

Driving down energy demand across campus

We are already making progress in delivering a wide-ranging programme of technical upgrades and operational improvements to reduce both electricity and gas use across our estate. Since 2005, we have achieved a 46% reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions.

Latest work includes:

  • a major lighting upgrade in Chancellors' Building, reducing the building’s lighting consumption by a third and saving seven tonnes of carbon annually
  • a comprehensive assessment of heat decarbonisation opportunities is underway to inform a new Decarbonisation Plan
  • a partnership with Helvar to develop and optimise a campus wide lighting control system: what began as a small trial has evolved into a data-driven platform managing more than 100,000 devices across the estate
  • a full review of our progress to net zero is underway and we've developed a new Energy Strategy that is now being reviewed for approval and launch

These initiatives reflect the scale of transformation required, and the scale of our ambition.

Richard Jackson, Director of Sustainability and Space, said “Decarbonising our energy supply is essential, but it must go hand in hand with reducing how much energy we use. The investment we are making today is substantial, and it demonstrates the leadership we wish to provide for our community, but it also depends on every member of our community playing their part. Sustainability is not a spectator sport; it’s something we achieve together.”

Everyone has a role in shaping our sustainable future

While the University is investing heavily in infrastructure and long term planning, the actions of staff and students remain vital. Every lab, office, study space, and campus bedroom contributes to our overall energy footprint, and every individual can help reduce it.

Here are some of the ways you can get involved:

This investment marks a major milestone, but it is not the end of the journey. It is a foundation for the next phase of our transformation, one that will require continued leadership, innovation, and collective effort.

The University is choosing to lead our community. Now we invite our whole community to take action with us.