Energy technology firm Siemens will start with building and lighting efficiency as it partners with the University of East London to reach campus goals of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
The first work will immediately cut 10 percent of the university’s carbon emissions, according to the release. The contractors will install LED lighting in all buildings, and upgrade the Building Management Systems (BMS).
A second workstream will focus on engineering the design of sustainable energy technology, including solar panels on rooftops and in car parks, ground source or water source heat pumps fed by the River Thames, and electric vehicle charging solutions.
“We are committed to becoming a national and global decarbonization leader by considering the economic, social and environmental impact of everything we do,” said Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice Chancellor and President, University of East London. “With our university-student-industry triple helix partnership approach, we are confident that we can achieve net zero in our publicly engaged and vibrant learning environment where everyone can succeed. The campus carbon transformation will give our students the opportunity to become the sustainability leaders of tomorrow.
Siemens is promising to deliver solutions including a shift to renewables and on-site low-carbon power generation at the UEL’s campuses in the London Docklands (rendering pictured) and Stratford. The company will also create learning opportunities for students there and support a digital-first culture in the work through 2030.
The net-zero carbon roadmap identified four focus areas for UEL’s campuses: introducing renewable energy sources and reducing overall energy consumption; supporting sustainable enterprise; leveraging real-time energy data through the creation of a living lab and nurturing a strong talent pipeline.
In the second phase, Siemens will support UEL in the creation of an innovation hub for local green energy enterprises, giving students the opportunity to engage with the latest green technologies on-campus. Students will also be able to further strengthen their skills through mentoring and internships with Siemens.
“This is an exciting time for the University of East London; we’re proud to be supporting their strategic objectives with technology solutions, and collaborating on the transition to net-zero,” said Constantin Ginet, Global Head of Energy & Performance Services, Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “Beyond decarbonization, this partnership also demonstrates the additional positive impact of a technology-focused net-zero journey, including improvements in learning and teaching, a better experience on campus for both students and staff, and the potential to create positive social impact in the surrounding community.”
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(Rod Walton, senior editor for EnergyTech, is a 14-year veteran of covering the energy industry both as a newspaper and trade journalist. He can be reached at [email protected]).
