to decarbonize campus, cut emissions by 50%.
ZUG, Switzerland, Dec 11, 2024 – The University of Kent (UoK) is set to cut emissions generated on campus by 50 percent through a new carbon reduction strategy developed in partnership with Siemens Smart Infrastructure, as it continues to work towards achieving its net-zero targets.
Developed following an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) undertaken to get a detailed assessment of the University’s energy performance, the strategy sets out a roadmap to reduce carbon emissions across its Canterbury and Medway campuses – home to over 19,000 students.
The first major step towards the reduction of energy consumption on campus will see the installation of LED lighting in all buildings and upgrades to all building management system controllers, as well as space optimization and an updated metering system to maximise energy use across the estate.
In 2021 the UoK agreed on an ambitious yet achievable target of reducing scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040 and scope 3 emissions to net zero by 2050. The University’s aim is to decrease emissions by at least 50 percent by 2030, compared to the baseline years of 2018 and 2019.
“With buildings being responsible for around 40 percent of global energy consumption, one of today’s greatest challenges for the higher education sector is to ensure the decarbonization of its campuses. Partnerships, such as the one with the University of Kent, are a prime example of how to achieve net zero targets by having a decarbonization strategy in place. This also supports customers to reduce costs, enhance energy demand management, while digital solutions bring existing infrastructure up to speed with the latest tech,” said Faye Bowser, Vice President Higher Education Vertical at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “I look forward to the continuous cooperation with the University of Kent.”
“Our partnership with Siemens is central to our commitment to embed carbon reduction across our operations and place sustainability at the heart of our decision making. We have unique strengths as a university in tackling climate change and are determined to bring together the talent and endeavor of staff, students and the wider community to make a tangible impact. This includes developing an estate which is fit for the future, embracing modern technology and external partnerships where they can act as a catalyst to delivering our mission,” Georgina Randsley de Moura, acting vice chancellor at the University of Kent added.
Funding for the scheme will be provided by Siemens Financial Services through a flexible financing package, allowing UoK to begin repayment only once the upgrades to the estate have been delivered.
For more information, visit siemens.com.
