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
The University of Manchester’s solar farm
Since September 2005, we have powered our campus with clean, renewable electricity from a major new solar farm, marking a key milestone in our goal of becoming zero carbon by 2038.
The energisation of Medebridge, located in Ockendon, Essex, means that up to 65% of our electricity demand is met from exclusive ‘new-to-earth’ renewable infrastructure.
Developed in partnership with leading UK clean energy firm Enviromena, the project is part of a 10-year Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), facilitated by EDF and supported by Inspired PLC, the UK’s leading energy and sustainability advisor. It is the UK’s largest solar CPPA with an educational institution.
This development represents the University’s long-term commitment to sustainability and energy resilience.
The construction of Medebridge commenced in April 2024. Comprising of around 104,000 solar panels across 175 acres (roughly the size of 70 football pitches), the site will generate more than 72 GWh of electricity annually, 80% (58GWh) of which will be purchased directly by the University over the next decade. The move will reduce University carbon emissions by 12,000 tonnes of CO2e each year – enough to power 21,000 homes.
In addition to emission reduction, the site will also create a significant biodiversity net gain. Enhancements to the existing hedgerows and planting of native grassland and wildflower meadow beneath and around the solar arrays will encourage nesting opportunities for wildlife and improved habitat connectivity.
Solar Farm Engagement Project
The University’s Environmental Sustainability Team are inviting members of the community to partake in The Sunflower Trail Project.
Organised in partnership with Professor Jennifer O'Brien and Ardwick Climate Action, the project will populate our campus with sunflowers in late August and early September to celebrate the solar farm. Alongside the trail, members of the community will also be encouraged to grow the flowers at home and submit their experiences around this to be featured on our social media channels.
Not only are sunflowers a symbol of light and of growth, they are also deeply connected to our history through mathematician Alan Turing’s project studying the spiral in the head of the flower. With this in mind, whether it is images, artwork or creative pieces, we are welcoming all submissions that celebrate the flower and what it represents as we move into a greener and more sustainable future.
Please email es@manchester.ac.uk for further information around this initiative.
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.
For further information on our decarbonisation journey, read our Carbon Action Plan (PDF, 317KB).