Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University was one of the first universities to declare a climate emergency in 2019. Since then, the institution has emerged as a leading sustainability light in the higher education sector. Working towards an ambition to reach net zero by 2030, the University has reduced its CO2 emissions by 40% over the last ten years. Central to this has been an investment of £2.9 million in a solar array which supports the institution’s target to meet 25% of its electricity consumption through renewables by 2030.

A decarbonisation journey in action

Aberystwyth University published its Towards Net Zero 2030 Strategy in 2023, highlighting the steps it was taking to achieve its carbon reduction goals. In recent years the University has invested over £6 million in carbon reduction measures, including its solar array, energy efficiency improvements and lighting projects. Central to Aberystwyth’s decarbonisation plans has been the development of a 2.5MW solar array on its Penglais campus.

Carbon and energy savings

Aberystwyth University has undertaken a range of decarbonisation measures to support its net zero ambitions. These include:

• Investing £2.9 million on a 2.5MW solar PV array at its Penglais campus which will generate 25% of the annual electricity requirements of the campus. The site is expected to reduce annual outputs of energy-related CO2 emissions by 500 tonnes per year.
• Being part of a wider group of 20 UK universities which struck a £50m landmark green energy deal, reducing emissions as part of an aggregated power purchase agreement (PPA). It was the first time that public sector energy users have collaborated on a deal to buy clean electricity.
• Deploying its Building Energy Management System (BEMS) to great effect to significantly reduce heating usage, saving around £500,000 and xx tonnes of carbon a year.
• Partnering with Vital Energi via the energy efficiency Refit framework. So far this has seen an investment of almost £3.4 Million in energy efficiency projects that are guaranteed to reduce energy related emissions by 9% and save over £350,000 per annum in electricity and gas costs.

Benefits

• Sharing success with other institutions and being a leading light in the higher education sector.
• Collaborating with other peer organisations through the landmark green energy PPA.
• Working with the Welsh Government to gain expert advice and support.
• Engaging staff and students in the University’s ambitious sustainability agenda.
• Working with an industry partner through the Refit framework, benefiting from guaranteed energy savings along with expert advice.