University of Winchester

The University of Winchester launched its Carbon Management Plan in 2006 which provides a roadmap to deliver significant campus-wide energy reduction projects. The implementation of a £4 million energy efficient project – including a large-scale air source heat pump installation – has been a central part of the University’s decarbonisation programme. The institution has set an ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2025 and now boasts the 4th most energy efficient campus in the UK.

A decarbonisation journey in action

To support its energy saving ambitions the University was awarded a £3.2 million
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant. Through the Refit Framework Winchester
appointed Ameresco as its energy performance contractor. The central aim was to
decarbonise heat by displacing 34 gas-fired boilers with 34 air source heat pumps
across 15 buildings. To offset the additional electricity the pumps use, two further solar
PV arrays were installed. Building Management Systems were also optimised across the campus including new BMS controls on 98 student flats.

Energy and carbon savings

• Through the energy performance contract, the University benefits from guaranteed savings of 500 tonnes of C02 and £70,000 cost savings per annum.
• Since the completion of the air source heat pumps project gas consumption has gone down by an impressive 32%.
• Solar PV now generates around 4% of the University’s electricity demand on campus, producing energy at times of peak demand.
• Since 2006/07 the University has reduced its carbon emissions by 45%, exceeding its 2015 target of a 30% reduction

Benefits

• Significant heat decarbonisation through displacing gas.
• Significant increase in the energy efficiency of the campus.
• Support for the University’s carbon reduction goals.
• Demonstrating to staff and students the University’s commitment to reaching net zero.