Green grant helps college turn off fossil fuels

The grant will pay for two buildings to be linked to the Bradford Energy Network

Bradford College has been awarded a £2.6m government grant towards a major renewable energy project on its campus.

The scheme, due to be completed by March 2026, will connect the David Hockney building and Advanced Technology Centre to the Bradford Energy Network - a low-carbon heating network being rolled out in the city centre.

The money is from the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) which aims to cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

It targets public sector buildings that still use fossil fuels for heating, hot water and catering.

Pamela Sheldon, head of projects at the college, said: "Bradford College is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.

"This latest funding will be a huge boost to our decarbonisation strategy.

"Over the last two years, Bradford College has secured nearly £32m in funding incorporating the PSDS grant.

"This substantial investment is helping us to rethink, reshape, rework and rebuild aspirational new sustainable facilities in the heart of Bradford."

It is hoped the work will be completed by March 2026

Bradford has one of the UK's largest Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) installations.

An ASHP - sometimes referred to as an air-to-water heat pump - transfers heat from the outside air to water which can be used for heating or as general hot water for homes and businesses.

The college is one of 189 public sector organisations nationwide that were awarded grants for heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency schemes.

Ian Rodger, director of programmes at Salix which is rolling out the latest phase of the PSDS, said: "The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time and we are pleased to be working with Bradford College on reducing its carbon footprint.

“Our teams will work closely with the college as they progress their decarbonisation journey, ensuring these buildings not only become more energy efficient but better places in which to work and study."

The PSDS was launched in 2020 to reduce fossil fuel usage and make public buildings more efficient to heat.

It supports the government's aim of reducing emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037.

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