Decarbonising Newton Park campus
News
BSU granted funding for decarbonisation of Newton Park campus
Monday, 3 November, 2025Bath Spa University has announced that it is a step closer to achieving its climate pledge of reaching Net Zero at its Newton Park campus. The University has secured funding to carry out decarbonisation works, including the installation of solar panels, building energy efficiency measures and ground source heat pump technology.
Over the past 12 months BSU has commissioned a detailed analysis of the campus to develop a heat decarbonisation plan and net zero pathway model, which details a practical pathway to reach an 88% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
BSU appointed consultant Turner and Townsend as Technical Lead on the Decarbonisation Project, working alongside the University’s Sustainability, Maintenance and Estates teams to progress the project.
The University has been successful in a bid for funding after demonstrating its commitment to delivering a multimillion-pound decarbonisation project. In April 2025, BSU secured a grant under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to cover part of the works. The scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix. With the remainder of the total funding committed to by the University, implementation of the project has now begun.
Addressing the University’s commitment to decarbonisation, Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University, Professor Georgina Andrews, said:
“BSU’s climate pledge of reaching Net Zero at Newton Park campus is at the leading edge of recent developments on the site.
“Sustainability is one of Bath Spa University’s core values, and investment in decarbonisation is at the forefront of our commitment to the wonderful environment we share our campuses with and beyond.”
The project has commenced with an energy efficient LED lighting and controls installation in the Library, and from summer 2026 visitors to Newton Park will see a series of works underway; from electrical and building fabric improvements, to installing photovoltaic and solar thermal panels and ground source heat pump technology – every improvement contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions across the campus. 
Reflecting on the project and partnership, Project Manager on the Decarbonisation Project at Turner and Townsend, Ben Hartfield said:
“Turner and Townsend is proud to be the decarbonisation partner of Bath Spa University. Since 2023, we’ve been delivering an innovative whole-campus approach, harnessing heat from the ground to support an ambitious carbon reduction target, with emissions set to fall by 88%. We’ve helped secure £3 million in government funding and are now leading the project through design and planning.”
Discussing the important role Universities must play in the journey to Net Zero, Director of Decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger said:
“Universities have a key role to play in our journey to Net Zero. They are not only centres of research and innovation but also home to thousands of students, staff and visitors every day, making them the ideal places to demonstrate and lead sustainable change in practice.
“We’re delighted to work with Bath Spa University as it progresses its net zero journey and making its buildings not only more comfortable places to work and enjoy, but better for the planet too.”
BSU is committed to sustainability, recognising and cherishing the unique spaces in which we learn and work. Find out more on our Sustainability webpage.