Lancaster University’s 6.5km Heat Network Marks Major Milestone.

Lancaster University are transforming the way they heat their campus with a multimillion decarbonisation project which has just passed a major milestone with the completion of the 6.5km district heating network.

The heat network is made up of a series of highly insulated, underground pipework which will distribute low-carbon heat across the campus, supplying approximately 250 buildings across the campus. Originally, the network supplied only 65% of the University’s buildings, but the new expansion will see that rise to 95%.

The University has approximately 15,000 students and we know how important protecting the environment and tackling climate change is to them. This project will allow the University to benefit from low-carbon heating every day.

Scott Lutton, Regional Director, Vital Energi

In addition to the completion of the heat network, the new Energy Centre 2 has seen strong progress with key areas like the external envelope, thermal stores and heat pumps now in place. Once complete, the mixture of water and air source heat pumps will be capable of creating 39-Giggawatt Hours of low-carbon heat and hot water.

“We’re delighted to have passed the halfway point in the construction phase and completed the installation of the expansion to the district heat network. The next challenge is to complete all the building connections and commission the new energy centre to enable the campus to benefit from the new decarbonised heat network.

Anna Cockman, Head of Estate Development, Lancaster University

This project is a core part of the University’s target to achieve net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. strengthening their position as leaders in sustainability.