Energy and water
We are aiming for Net Zero carbon emissions by 2035, which means taking seriously what we’re using, and what we’re putting back.
Supply of energy and water is essential to our operations as a University and we are leading on, and promoting, sustainable energy and water use, including:
We use biomass fuel (woodchips) to heat our Eden Campus facilities at Guardbridge and some of our buildings in the town of St Andrews, including halls of residence. We also have the capacity to draw, and save, energy from our solar array or from excess overnight offshore wind energy through our battery energy storage system, which means we can power up from renewables. We run annual energy audits to learn from what’s working and what isn’t, investing in energy improvements each year.
The University consumes 30% less energy than it did ten years ago, and we are targeting a 40% reduction in carbon emissions between now and 2035.
We report our performance annually and plot against the trajectory required to meet a science-based target (1.5°C).
What we are doing
The University approach to energy and water is a broad ambitious plan, spanning across our estate, research and collective behaviours. We are leading the way in sustainable resource management in the following ways.
Energy efficiency
We are operating smart building systems to minimise energy consumption, undertaking energy audits, and investing annually on a rolling programme of utility improvements.
Energy investment
Next year we will deploy rooftop solar on 40 University buildings. We are also developing plans for additional ground mounted solar and exploring the options to eliminate using fossil fuels for heating from all buildings.
Water management
We are installing waterless and low-flow fixtures, investing in chillers for labs and using responsibly extracted groundwater for irrigation of our sports facilities. The University will be reviewing nature-based solutions and rainwater storage to improve the management of water across the estate in order to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate.
Sustainable building standards
Our two new academic buildings, currently being designed, will be the most sustainable the University has ever built. They are forecast to reduce carbon by 40% across their lifespan against current standards.
Eden Campus
Located in Guardbridge, our Eden Campus is home to innovative ideas and enterprises, designed to help shape a sustainable future through developing transformative technologies and making connections between industry, academic and professional staff, and students.
Spend to save
Internal funding is available to pay for initiatives that pay back through energy savings. Previous measures include installing LED lighting, chiller projects for labs, 30 drying cabinets for labs across the campus, waterless condensers, and a solid state x-ray generator.
Hydrogen Accelerator and Power2X
Groundworks commenced in December 2024 in our cutting-edge research facility to explore means to create low-carbon fuels from green hydrogen and carbon captured on site.
Research
The University appointed its first Chair in Energy in 2024. This marks a significant step in the University’s goals on energy and sustainability, focusing on energy storage solutions to address the climate crisis.
Sustainable labs
An increased internal and external focus is being given to carbon impacts of research. We are looking to share best practices between early adopters and create a framework for helping others assess and reduce their impacts.
What you can do
Sustainability campaigns
Running workshops, events and awareness drives to empower the University community to adopt greener practices. Email environment@st-andrews.ac.uk with any queries or your ideas for sustainability campaigns.
Hall Environment Reps
Becoming a Hall Environment Representative is one of the ways our students are promoting energy efficiency. Our ambitious student representatives promote sustainable choices in halls of residence through events, campaigns and information. Hall reps will compete in an energy competition, working together to reduce electricity consumption and win a cash prize.
Consultations
The University regularly holds stakeholder involvement sessions on its future projects and plans. Look out for opportunities in communications from Heads of Schools and existing sustainability representatives.
