Marjon receives £1.8 million to reduce carbon footprint

Released: 17.03.21

Plymouth Marjon University is pleased to announce £1.8 million funding that will contribute to the decarbonisation of the university’s campus.

The funds follow a successful application to the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, provided by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The grant was available to public sector facilities wanting to support the future of the environment.  

Decarbonisation is the reduction of the carbon dioxide (CO₂) output of the economy. Marjon is putting the grant to use by installing solar panels, LED lights and a new energy management system with which to control them.

Director of Estates, John Bailey said: “We’re delighted to be making such dramatic improvements to our carbon footprint across the campus, through the installation of solar panels, LED light systems and an improved Building Energy Management System. Thanks to the Salix PSDS funding, we’re moving even closer towards our Net Zero target outlined in our latest Campus Development Plan. 

“At Marjon we’re uniquely located with views of the sea and the moors, wildlife on campus and plenty of green space. It’s great to be making changes that will be helping towards the long-term protection of the planet and wildlife that we see every day.”

From the end of April onwards, those visiting Marjon will see solar panels across all buildings in the Quad, Sports Centre, Peninsula Allied Health Centre and student halls. LEDs will be present in all academic buildings.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rob Warner added: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Marjon to go greener, and a decisive step in our response to the climate emergency. In partnership with many others across the city and region, we look forward to taking ever greater strides year-on-year.”

Marjon has partnered with four companies to fit and prepare the campus for its decarbonised future. Mole Energy and Naked Solar are fitting the solar panels, Rowe Electrical are in charge of the LEDs and Schneider Electric are creating the new management system.

Mole Energy Director, David Stevenson commented: “We’re totally committed to helping organisations, like Marjon, who are taking important steps to protect the environment through renewable energy solutions that will significantly reduce their carbon footprint. The Mole Energy team of designers and installers will deliver a 300kWp solar PV array with 846 panels across a number of roofs at Marjon. In the first year alone this will reduce CO₂ emissions that equate to the planting of 3,443 trees.

“As part of Mole Valley Farmers, we also put great emphasis on customer care, so we will be here for the long term to support Marjon in developing and maintaining their low carbon future.”

It is estimated that the energy saving installations will also reduce Marjon’s energy bill by around £400,000 a year. As well as saving approximately 300 tonnes of carbon, which is an 18% reduction of the campus’ current output.