Aston University takes major step towards net zero goal as work starts on new energy centre

Work has started on Aston University’s Carbon Neutral Energy Centre which aims to transform how power is generated and used across the University.

It is the first project in the University’s 2025-30 Climate Action & Carbon Management Plan to modernise the campus’ infrastructure, strengthen energy resilience and accelerate the University’s journey to net zero.

The project is supported by a £35.5 million grant from the UK government’s public sector decarbonisation scheme, funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and delivered by Salix Finance.

Drift Services Group is the principal contractor for the project, responsible for drilling and test pumping the entire borehole network.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the energy centre took place on campus on 31 March 2026. It marked the start of the construction phase and celebrated Aston University’s continued leadership in sustainability and climate action.

The keynote speaker at the event was Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport at Birmingham City Council.

Craig Jones, Aston University interim chief executive officer, Simon Petett, assistant director of programmes at Salix Finance, and Lloyd Ross, senior policy advisor and communications manager at DESNZ, also spoke at the event.

In the new Carbon Neutral Energy Centre, ground and air source heat pumps will replace Aston University’s current gas‑fired system and support a low‑carbon district heating network.

Gas equipment in the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) and Aston Day Hospital will also be removed, with these buildings connected to the new energy centre.

In addition, insulation improvements to Conference Aston and the main building will boost thermal performance and cut heating demand.

 Together, these measures will greatly reduce campus emissions and improve energy efficiency, supporting Aston’s wider sustainability goals.

Aston University expects to reduce scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions (those from the direct burning of fuels such as gas in heating systems, and indirect emissions, for example from the University’s purchase of electricity, respectively) by more than 90% compared to the 2005/06 baseline.

In its 2030 Climate Action Plan, Aston committed to being net zero by 2030 for scope 1 and 2 emissions. The Carbon Neutral Energy Centre will achieve this by 2028, two years ahead of the original target.

Meanwhile, work is also being carried out to meet the University’s target of net zero for scope 3 emissions – indirect emissions that come, for example, from purchased goods, business travel, suppliers’ emissions and waste disposal –by 2040.

The Carbon Neutral Energy Centre and building insulation projects form Aston’s Energy Resilience Programme.

This represents a significant step forward in creating a future-ready, low-carbon campus and reinforces Aston University’s commitment to environmental leadership and sustainable innovation.

This programme builds on the success of previous scheme funding, through which Aston delivered a range of efficiency projects. These include solar panel installations, LED lighting upgrades, building management system improvements, and district heat network expansion to Conference Aston and the Aston Business School building.

These earlier initiatives have already contributed to reducing energy demand and carbon emissions across the site.

Craig Jones, Aston University interim chief executive officer, said: “This project is a major milestone for Aston University, underpinning our commitment to environmental stewardship and energy resilience.

“The new Carbon Neutral Energy Centre will significantly improve how we power and heat our campus. We are proud of our teams and grateful to our partners as we move forward in delivering this transformational project.”

Pictured from left to right: Simon Pettett, Salix Finance; Krutika Ganeru, Aston University; Hira Raashid, Salix Finance; Craig Jones, Aston University; Councillor Majid Mahmood, Birmingham City Council; Lloyd Ross, DESNZ; Dr Jason Wouhra, Aston University