The university is installing nearly 800 solar panels across campus and integrating energy-efficient technologies, backed by £13 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The project includes connecting to the Coventry district energy network, a 6.6km underground heat system that uses waste heat from the city’s municipal incinerator. This network emits only one-sixth of the carbon of natural gas and will replace the university’s gas boilers, reducing heating emissions by 25%.
At the heart of sustainability
Selina Fletcher, head of sustainability and environment at Coventry University, said: “After much planning we can now start to see the results – we will immediately be able to see a carbon reduction as the solar panels start to generate energy and reduce our emissions.
“This is fantastic news for the university and showcases the first of many actions to put sustainability at the heart of what we do, benefiting our students, staff and the wider community.”
Solar installations and future plans
Specialist contractor Geo Green Power, in collaboration with consultant Baily Garner, has already installed panels on the Sir Frank Whittle and Charles Ward buildings. By 2025, roofs on The Hub and the Alma building will also feature solar arrays. The panels’ combined capacity is equivalent to powering 90 typical homes.
Starting in May 2025, additional pipework will enable 11 university buildings to connect to the district energy scheme. The project, expected to complete by April 2026, will cut campus carbon emissions by 95 tonnes annually and serve as a practical teaching example for climate change mitigation.
Images: Coventry University