Exeter’s ‘pivotal moment’ as £8.6m funding secured for low carbon heating

The University of Exeter has been awarded £8.6 million towards new heating systems that will reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

The funding, awarded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero through its Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, will support a three-year project to replace 29 gas boilers across eight buildings at Exeter’s Streatham and St Luke’s campuses.

It will help move 17.5% of the University’s heating systems to low carbon alternatives and save 875 tonnes in carbon emissions annually – the equivalent footprint of 300 large three-bed homes.

Set for completion in 2028, the project is a milestone in the University’s Strategy 2030 that underlines its commitment to taking meaningful action on the climate and ecological emergency.

“This investment represents a pivotal moment in our journey to decarbonise our campuses,” said Jo Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability at the University of Exeter.

“By phasing out fossil fuel heating across key buildings, we are not only cutting emissions but demonstrating the kind of ambitious, science-led action required to address the climate crisis.”

The funding will be used to connect the eight buildings to a low-carbon heat network and modify the buildings’ heating systems to operate at lower flow and return temperatures, improving efficiency while retaining the building user experience.

The new heating system will be installed in Harrison and Kay Building, Amory Building, Forum Building and Holland Hall at Exeter’s Streatham campus and Haighton Library, Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Sports Centre and South Cloisters at St Luke’s.

The three-year programme builds on Exeter’s earlier success in receiving £974,000 through the Government’s Phase 5 Low Carbon Skills Fund, which enabled detailed planning for decarbonisation.