Energy and Carbon

Energy and Carbon Report 2024-25

This report provides an update on carbon emissions, energy and water usage and describes our activities across a range of areas to reduce our environmental impact.
Christmas ‘Setback mode’ Saves 25.8 Tonnes of CO2

Over the Christmas break, the Energy and BMS teams worked with building managers to identify which buildings would be empty. We put these buildings into "Setback Mode" to save energy.
Solar PV on Campus

Solar panels are a form of renewable energy on campus and fall under the Decarbonise workstream of our strategy. We have got over 5,500 solar PV at Warwick.

The Importance of Energy in Carbon Emissions Reduction

In 2019 the University declared a climate emergency and set targets to reach Net Zero carbon emissions. We’re working to achieve Net Zero on direct emissions and the energy we buy by 2030 (Scope 1 and 2) and to get to Net Zero for indirect emissions by 2050 (Scope 3). 

As mentioned in theEnvironmental Sustainability StrategyLink opens in a new window, almost all of the University’s Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions come from the energy we consume – primarily heat or electricity. An effective energy strategy, matched with significant resource, is required to meet our ambitious 2030 target.

Find our most recent 2024/2025 Energy and Carbon Report hereLink opens in a new window

Our Energy StrategyLink opens in a new window

We are looking to deliver a pathway of incremental, “no-regret” projects that will help the University achieve Net Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 (direct emissions and the energy we buy).

Our Energy Strategy is based on three principles: ReduceLink opens in a new window, Smart, Link opens in a new window DecarboniseLink opens in a new window, .

Energy Case Studies

Read the energy case studies on campus and understand how we are working towards the Energy Strategy.

Explore our most recent case studies:

Energy Usage Policy and GuidanceLink opens in a new window

The policy includes guidance to energy users and operational staff which will reduce our carbon emissions across all Scopes and progress our contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

How to get involved

There is a lot you can do to support the University's environmental sustainability goals by helping to reduce energy waste and consumption.

Read the guidance here. Link opens in a new window

Energy Tour

We organise regular Energy Tours to showcase the energy-saving projects taking place across campus.

These tours have been very popular since they began and offer a great opportunity to learn how the University’s sustainability objectives are being achieved through a range of ongoing projects. It is also a chance to get to know the campus better.

Upcoming projects- future development

Renewable Energy CentreLink opens in a new window

The University of Warwick’s Renewable Energy Centre (REC) is a flagship infrastructure project supporting the transition to a flexible, low-carbon energy network. This project will propel the University of Warwick on a significant leap forward in the journey to a Net Zero campus.

Roof Top PV phase 2Link opens in a new window

The University is delivering a project to increase on site renewable electricity generation capacity by adding rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to some key campus buildings. =This forms part of the decarbonisation pillar of the University’s Scope 1 and 2 carbon strategy, which focuses on transitioning away from fossil fuel energy sources towards renewable electricity.

Meet the People Delivering our Energy StrategyLink opens in a new window