Many of the UK’s higher education (HE) institutions are currently under significant financial pressures. Despite this, at the recent Association of University Directors of Estates Big Conversation event we heard multiple university leaders reaffirm their commitment to attaining their decarbonisation targets, although they are struggling to fund the changes they wish to see. How then can universities stay on track towards decarbonisation?

Progress slows

Following the UK declaring a climate emergency in 2019, many institutions developed decarbonisation plans to target being net zero by 2030 or 2035. These plans largely focused on optimising the performance of existing assets, removing using gas for heating and hot water, and installing more renewable energy generation systems. Easy changes, such as paying closer attention to building controls, enabled many to make swift progress towards their targets, but for many institutions their plans have now stalled as further interventions require more strategic investment. 

Student concerns over environmental credentials remain 

Abandoning decarbonisation is not an option. Putting aside the moral imperative, many students review the environmental credentials of institutions when choosing where to study, with research from Unite finding that 53% of students had either checked or plan to check the specific climate change policies or reputation of universities. Alienating these potential students, especially at a time when competition to attract new enrolments is fierce, is not advisable.

Integrate decarbonisation into rightsizing exercises 

So how can universities get back on track? One of the other consequences of the constrained funding environment is that more institutions are undertaking campus rightsizing exercises. Existing decarbonisation plans should therefore be reviewed in the context of these programmes, to identify opportunities to integrate energy efficiency and decarbonisation activities during space rationalisation. Sustainability metrics should also be considered as part of the decision-making process to help determine whether buildings should be retained, refurbished or redeveloped.

The spaces that are retained should be audited to ensure they are used efficiently to drive energy and carbon savings. Smart metering and data analysis is essential, both before any decisions are made and afterwards to track usage is as expected, so further change can be made if necessary to facilitate carbon reductions.

Utilise private funding

While university budgets are limited, the public sector funding opportunities available – such as the Green Heat Network Fund – which should be explored. However, private investment may also be an option. To unlock this finance institutions should aim to follow a step-by-step process:   

1. Initial feasibility assessment for estate assets, based on space usage, building flexibility and benchmarked energy consumption.
2. Detailed assessment of viable building(s) to build ‘investment grade’ evidence to support decarbonisation. This will involve engaging specialist consultants.
3. Unlocking finance, either through the public sector programmes or targeted private investment backers.
4. Programme implementation and construction.
5. Monitoring and reporting against targets.
6. Feedback to industry on successes and lessons learned.

The decarbonisation of university estates was always going to be challenging, and the HE sector has delivered some amazing achievements. We are confident that further progress will continue and the sector will maintain its role as a example for others to follow.

Further information

Contact Dan Jestico 

Visit the Savills Evolve Higher Education website to learn more about how universities are adapting to changing circumstances.