Energy
As a university we require a significant amount of energy to deliver our research and teaching, so we are always looking for ways to use these resources more efficiently.
Our Sustainable Future (PDF, 4.7MB) commits us to reducing our energy consumption by a total of 10% against a 2018 baseline. This will be achieved by joint working across the University led by The Directorate of Estates & Facilities and IT Services.
Energy reduction programme
Energy consumption constitutes a significant proportion of our carbon emissions and we have put substantial effort into optimising it on campus. In 2022, we produced an exploratory report to explore the strategic and technical actions required to achieve the 2038 zero carbon target.
As a result of the report, we developed an energy reduction programme with funding totalling £136 million, committing us to energy efficiency projects up to 2032/33. The projects include the installation of low energy lighting, upgrading building management systems and improving the efficiency of buildings when they are largely unoccupied.
Replacing gas boilers
We are exploring opportunities to replace our gas boilers and heat networks. As stated in the new Environmental Strategy 2023-2028, no gas boilers will be fitted other than in exceptional circumstances and must be approved through the zero carbon governance process. The Booth Street East Building will be the first building to be heated purely by an electric heating system and there are more building decarbonisation works in the pipeline.
Renewable energy
We anticipate that the carbon footprint of the University's electricity supply will be approximately halved following the implementation of a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (cPPA) which is due to come online in 2025. The cPPA means that the University’s electricity demand will be matched by a developer generating ‘additional’ renewable energy on our behalf.
We encourage people to switch to 100% renewable energy at home. As a key organisation within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, we back the partnership they have made with the Big Clean Switch initiative to ensure citizens have guidance on how to make their own switch to clean energy.