Where are we along our path to zero carbon journey?
In 2019, the University committed to being zero carbon by 2035 from our campus energy and fleet, and to reducing our indirect emissions from supply chain, travel and waste by 50%.
We’re definitely off to a positive start, having cut campus energy and fleet emissions by 34% (since 2015), investing circa £3 million in decarbonisation projects in recent 3 months.
Here’s an update on some of the University’s major interventions to decarbonise our campuses over the last 12 months:
Key Climate Actions
- 1800 new roof solar panels installed across both campuses, reducing the need to consume grid electricity, and currently commissioning metering to track electrical energy generation.
- 3 new novel horizontal wind turbines on the roof of the new CISM building, to generate electricity, reduce carbon emissions from grid electricity and support development and research by Crossflow Energy based in Baglan.
- Our first Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) within the Haldane building, removing the need to heat the building using gas.
- Upgraded lighting systems across Singleton Campus by installing over 7,500 LED lights with automatic lighting controls to reduce operating costs and carbon emissions. At the Bay Campus LED lamps have also been installed to the external street lighting columns.
- Set an Electric Vehicle and Charging Policy to ensure 100% Zero Emission Fleet and provision of Electric Charging infrastructure on campus.
- Energy Efficient Double Glazing installed throughout Haldane Building.
- Contributed to Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Accelerating To Net Zero Tertiary Education Report.
- Trained staff and students in carbon literacy.
- Installed Solar Battery and Car Port Charging System for 5 vehicles at Y Twyni on Bay Campus.
- Reduced our carbon emissions from fleet by 66% (since 2015) and now have 11 charging points across our campuses.
What’s next?
The coming months will see the University planning the switch from gas fired heating on campus to greener alternatives such as Air Source Heat Pump systems.
We’re also developing plans to pilot Fulton House Redevelopment against a sustainability refurbishment accreditation (RICS SKA or BREEAM).
How can you support?
Reducing our carbon emissions is a huge undertaking and we need your support. There are many ways you can support in sustainability at Swansea, from signing up to SWell, our sustainability reward programme for staff and students, to joining our Safety and Sustainability Network for staff, to getting involved in our events and volunteering our individual actions add up!
Learn more about our Climate Emergency commitments and progress here.
Got ideas about how we can reduce our carbon emissions on campus?
Get in touch with the Sustainability Team.