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Carbon Neutral University – Our sustainability ambition statement

In summer 2023, the University adopted a new Sustainability ambition statement that set out our ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2035 and Biodiversity Net Gain by 2032

Our Net Zero target covers scopes 1 and 2 and partial emissions from scope 3. We have a plan to review all emissions for all scopes by 2030.
Ambition Statement
MS and CS solar panels

Energy

The University is committed to saving energy both by encouraging and supporting behavioural change and by carrying out physical modifications to University buildings and their systems.

Reducing and saving energy is also part of our Environmental Sustainability Vision, Policy and Strategy and Action Plan with detailed Key Performance Indicators.

Refurbishment and construction

here we are working to improve buildings around our Estate and we do so with energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices in mind.  We have a sustainable construction policy - Sustainable Construction and Renovation Policy - Durham University that ensures we deliver low emissions buildings, built to high standards.

Annual energy demand

Each year Durham University’s buildings use a significant amount of energy, this is detailed below for the last 3 years.

ind. We have a sustainable construction policy - Sustainable Construction and Renovation Policy - Durham University that ensures we deliver low emissions buildings, built to high standards.

Low carbon energy

We have extensive installations of renewable energy across the University estate, including over 800 kW of Solar PV across over 20 sites. We monitor electricity generation from solar PV, combined heat and power units and heat generation from our heat pumps, analysing data through our energy management software, Systemslink. We can track data half hourly to understand how systems are performing each day.

SWP Systemslink

Solar PanelsInstallation at the Sports Wellbeing Park (Maiden Castle)

We also monitor solar PV through dedicator portals connected to inverters on PV systems. The image below is an extract from the PV installation at James Barber House, our lowest emissions building.

 

PV installation

The University reports annually on the renewable energy that we generate on site and we have increased our capacity in recent years. This table shows the latest data; we also report this annually to HESA.

Total renewable energy generated on site April 2025

We also monitor the performance of low carbon heating systems, a key tool in our mission to reduce scope 1 emissions.

The heat pumps in the image below are coupled with heat meters than allow us to measure and optimise performance throughout the year.

Heat PumpsJBH Heat Pumps graph

Annual energy demand

Each year Durham University’s buildings use a significant amount of energy, this is detailed below for the last 3 years.

Year Gas kWh Electricity kWh Total kWh Total GJ

2021/22

71,751,755

39,471,456

111,223,211

400,404

2022/23

68,442,526

38,617,858

107,060,384

385,417

2023/24

66,541,391

39,389,158

105,930,549

381,350

The renewable energy we generate on our sites helps support our energy demand and reduce emissions.

The table below sets our Low carbon Energy Use in 2022 and 2023

2022

 12,683,518 kWh

 12,683,518 kWh

2023

13,551,755 kWh

13,551,755 kWh

Carbon Management Plan

We publish ourCarbon Management Plan 2025 that outlines are intentions to achieve these targets and are detailed in our Plan. This includes emissions reduction ambition and plans to reduce energy demand.

 

Energy Saving Initiatives

Switch Off!

It’s crucial to remember that energy is precious. Last academic year, our University Community used almost 70 million kWh of gas and nearly 40 million kWh of electricity for our day-to-day activities. This significant energy use impacts not only our CO2 emissions but also the University’s costs. However, there is something we can do about it. Let’s go back to basics with energy conservation. 

Here are some simple yet effective actions we can all take: 

  • Turn off lights, projectors, and screens when leaving a room or when they are not in use. 

  • Keep windows closed during the heating season. If you find it too warm, please let us know at Greenspace.staff@durham.ac.uk, and we will try to address the issue. 

  • Choose revolving doors whenever possible. This helps retain heat in a space and can reduce our gas usage. 

  • Spread the message. Encourage those around you to do their part in conserving energy. 

Small acts. Big difference.

 

Don’t Make Our Buildings Work Over Easter

If you are heading off for a well earned break remember to shut down your offices, communal workspaces, and labs. This isn’t just about flipping a switch; it’s about embracing energy conservation and helping the university save money.  Before leaving think carefully about what equipment must stay on and turn everything else off. Let's work together so our buildings also get a break while we are enjoying ours. 

You could use these checklists to help with your seasonal shutdown: 

Office and Communal Areas Shutdown Checklist

Lecture Theatre Shutdown Checklist 

Lab Shutdown Checklist 

Please return these completed checklists to greenspace.staff@durham.ac.uk. We will use the information to help us to identify issues and make improvements.