Arts University Bournemouth celebrates completion of decarbonisation project

Arts University Bournemouth celebrates completion of decarbonisation project

On Thursday 20 March, Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) celebrated the completion of a decarbonisation project which saw the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) and Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs) on campus to replace expiring gas boilers.

Representatives from AUB, Morgan Sindall Construction, AtkinsRéalis, and BCP Council joined a well-attended opening ceremony. AUB’s Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Lisa Mann, commented, “The installation of these heat pumps is a crucial part of AUB’s plan to decarbonise the campus and provide a clean and efficient heat energy supply by heating water using a renewable energy tariff.”

Installation of the ASHPs and WSHPs marks a significant step towards decarbonising AUB by reducing the equivalent of gas emissions by approximately 115 tonnes of CO₂ per year. Any electricity used on site will be Renewable Energy Guaranteed of Origin, further reducing the campus’ environmental impact.

At the heart of this transformative sustainability project lies the replacement of gas boilers serving the North Building and the Library, alongside future-proofing measures for any future development of AUB’s North Light Studios.

Clifford Kinch, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction in the South, said, “The transformation at AUB demonstrates what’s possible when forward-thinking institutions embrace renewable technology. By replacing conventional gas systems with heat pump technology, we’ve helped AUB take a tangible step toward their sustainability goals while reducing carbon emissions by 115 tonnes annually.

“Working closely with AUB, AtkinsRéalis and BCP Council, we’ve successfully replaced expiring gas boilers with renewable energy solutions that align with the UK’s 2050 net zero ambitions. This project showcases our expertise in delivering complex sustainability schemes whilst maintaining operational continuity for the campus community.

“Our team is passionate about helping our partners achieve their environmental goals. Projects like this highlight why the transition to renewable heating isn’t just environmental rhetoric – it’s a practical, achievable reality.”

Tom Balme, Director for Projects and Programme Services, at AtkinsRéalis added, “We are delighted to have been a part of a significant step in Arts University Bournemouth’s ambitions to decarbonise its estate. We have worked with the University on several schemes and remain committed to supporting the University on its programme for decarbonisation moving forward.’’

The decarbonisation project has been supported by £769,043 in funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix. The scheme aims to help public sector organisations reduce their carbon emissions in line with the UK’s 2050 net zero target.

Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation for Salix, Ian Rodger, said, “We have no time to waste in addressing climate change, we see its impact on the news every day. At Salix we’re proud to work with organisations across the UK, like Arts University Bournemouth, to help meet ambitious net zero goals. The University has created buildings that will be more energy efficient as well as providing a more comfortable space for the teams, students and visitors.”

Lisa adds, “The completion of the decarbonisation project adds to a series of recent sustainability successes for AUB reaffirming its commitment to becoming net zero by 2030.

“Most recently, the University gained an impressive 30 places in the People & Planet University League which ranks UK universities against criteria linked to climate and social justice. This achievement placed AUB as the best preforming university with under 5,000 students and joint first for Carbon Reduction in the UK.”

AUB was also named as a finalist in two categories for the 2024 Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland, in association with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which celebrate the inspirational sustainability work and projects of UK and Ireland higher education institutions.

Vice Chairman of BCP Council, Cllr Simon Bull, commented, “It’s an honour to be here today and to champion the good work AUB’s doing to lessen its impact on the environment. As a resident of, and Green Party Councillor for BCP, I’m passionate about seeing our conurbation taking firm action towards a decarbonised future.”