University of Reading

The University of Reading has already made significant progress towards their net zero goals. To achieve further carbon savings the institution commissioned independent energy consultants to evaluate the scope of on and off-campus clean energy generation.

A decarbonisation journey in action

The University of Reading aims to meet net zero on scopes 1 and 2 by 2030. Through a range of renewable energy and energy reduction initiatives, a 63% reduction in carbon (from 2008/2009 baseline) and £51 million in cost savings has been achieved. The institution’s efforts have been recognised with several green accolades including the Times & Sunday Times Sustainable University of the Year.

• The existing solar PV system at Whiteknights (the University’s main campus) delivers over 1 GWh of electricity each year, saving £185,000 and 194 tonnes of carbon per year.
• Gas boilers in its SportsPark have been replaced with low carbon air source heat pumps.
• Half hourly electricity meters have been installed across Whiteknights campus.

Scoping new carbon reduction projects

To inform thinking for the University’s Net Zero Carbon Plan update, Environmental Insight Partners (EIP) evaluated the potential for additional on and off-campus green energy generation. The study explored extending the University’s existing solar PV, implementing battery storage and extending low carbon heating infrastructure.  The potential for off-campus renewable energy generation, including wind turbines, solar PV plants and battery storage facilities, was also assessed.

Carbon reduction potential

The study provided the following insights:

• The University could potentially draw most of its electricity from on- and off-campus renewable solutions during the summer and good proportion of it during the winter.
• Off-campus renewables – wind, solar PV and battery storage – connected through a dedicated private wire – would provide the most economically viable option. This solution could provide 48% of Whiteknights campus’ future electricity demand under a decarbonised scenario.
• There is a significant opportunity to extend the institution’s on-campus renewables, specifically through rooftop and car port solar energy. This could provide surplus generation which could be sold and exported to the grid.

Outcome and next steps

The University has now published its refreshed Net Zero Carbon Plan. This includes new targets to achieve a 40% carbon reduction in Scope 3 by 2035 and 70% by 2040 against 2023/24 levels.

The following next steps have been identified:

• Exploring external funding for the University’s on-campus solar energy generation with rooftop and car port solar. In addition, enhancing the performance of existing solar panels through proper service and maintenance.
• Progressing off-campus energy generation study to include planning and grid considerations.
• Exploring a larger scale external funding solution (ESCO) for off-campus generation, focusing on a private-wire solution.