Coventry University plugs into district energy to cut emissions by 1,300 tonnes as part of net zero plans

Eleven campus buildings to be connected to Coventry’s district energy network in a phased infrastructure project.

Coventry University, based in the United Kingdom, is set to connect 11 of its buildings to the city’s district energy network, a 6.6km underground system that uses heat generated from waste incineration.

The first stage of work starts on August 4 and forms part of the university’s broader plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

The network, which supplies energy to major public buildings across the city, produces one-sixth of the carbon emissions of natural gas. It will serve several locations on campus, including the Hub, Student Centre, Cycle Works, and the Sir Frank Whittle building. Initial construction will take place around the Sir Frank Whittle building and Student Centre, with pedestrian access maintained throughout.

Funded through public decarbonisation grant

The infrastructure upgrade is supported by a £13 million grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, managed by Salix Finance on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. In addition to the heat network connections, the funding has enabled the installation of approximately 800 solar panels across the city center campus.

According to the university, the project could reduce its carbon emissions by more than 1,300 tonnes annually, equivalent to over 20 percent of emissions currently generated through fossil fuel use.

Campus and city impact expected through to 2026

Further works are scheduled across the city center over the next several months and are expected to continue into spring 2026. Some road disruptions may occur during this time.

Mark Cammies, Chief Executive of Coventry University Enterprise Ltd, says: “Our efforts to be net zero by the end of the decade are moving along at pace and connecting our buildings to the city’s district energy network is the next step in that aspiration.

“There may be some disturbance to people travelling around parts of the city centre, however these will be kept to a minimum and the works, once complete, will benefit the city as a whole, not just the university.”