Bradford College Green Grant helps reduce carbon footprint

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

The scheme, which is due to be completed by March 2026, will connect the David Hockney Building and Advanced Technology Center to the Bradford Energy Network – a low-carbon heating network running across the city centre.

The money comes from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which aims to reduce energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

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

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 past two years, Bradford College has secured almost £32m of funding, incorporating the PSDS grant.

“This substantial investment is helping us to rethink, remodel, relaunch and rebuild aspirational new sustainable facilities in the heart of Bradford.”

Bradford has one of the largest air source heat pump (ASHP) installations in the UK.

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

The college is one of 189 public sector organizations nationwide to receive grants for heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency schemes.

Ian Rodger, Program Director at Salix, which is launching the latest phase of PSDS, said: “The climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges of our time and we are delighted to be working with Bradford College to reduce its carbon footprint.

“Our teams will work closely with the college as it progresses on its decarbonisation journey, ensuring these buildings not only become more energy efficient, but better places to work and study.”

The PSDS was launched in 2020 to reduce fossil fuel consumption and make public buildings more efficient at heating.

It supports the government’s target to reduce emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037.