Energy and water
Powering our campus with clean, renewable energy and using water wisely.
Energy and water sit at the heart of how our campus works every day – from heating and lighting our buildings to running laboratories, catering and student spaces. Since 2018/19 we have significantly reduced the carbon emissions linked to our energy use by moving to an electricity contract that is sourced entirely from wind, solar and hydro power. That means that 100% of the electricity we buy to power our lecture theatres, study spaces and social areas comes from certified renewable sources.
However, there is still a lot to do. We remain heavily reliant on natural gas for space and water heating, and for our on-site combined heat and power engine. Around a quarter of our heating currently comes from Sheffield’s district heating scheme, which uses energy recovered from waste. We have some on-site renewables, including a wind turbine at the Advanced Manufacturing Park and solar panels on a number of buildings, but we do not yet generate a large share of our energy ourselves.
To tackle these challenges, we have developed a detailed Campus Decarbonisation Plan. This sets out how we will move decisively away from fossil fuels by upgrading energy centres, replacing gas-based heating, improving building fabric and systems, and expanding low-carbon heat networks where it makes sense to do so. The aim is a campus that is warmer, more comfortable and more reliable, while also playing its part in meeting our net zero commitments.
Water is just as important. Climate change and changing rainfall patterns are putting more pressure on water supplies and increasing the risk of intense rainfall and local flooding. We are therefore investing in better monitoring and control of water use across our estate, including an expansion of smart metering. While rainwater harvesting within buildings is often costly and complex, there are good opportunities to reuse water in landscaping and irrigation. We are also committed to expanding sustainable drainage systems across campus to help manage stormwater, support biodiversity and create greener, more attractive outdoor spaces.
By transforming how we use energy and water, we will create a campus that is cleaner, more resilient and more affordable to run – supporting excellent teaching and research while reducing our impact on the environment.
Targets and commitments
- Continue to ensure our purchased electricity is from renewable sources.
- Commence phased implementation of the Campus Decarbonisation Plan, beginning with design work in 2026.
- By 2026, agree a clear and consistent University-wide position on renewable energy, including definitions for acceptable renewable electricity sources and energy from the incineration of municipal waste and waste wood.
- Introduce a formal University Energy Policy by 2026 to guide campus-wide energy use and efficiency.
- Expand water metering across the estate, with a goal to meter 60% of water consumption via automatic systems within 36 months.
- Reduce energy use across the estate by 20% by 2030 and by 50% by 2040, relative to a 2018/19 baseline.
- Conduct a detailed energy metering assessment by 2026, followed by a staged rollout of improvements using real-time data and controls by 2029.
- By mid-2026, set University-wide guidance on the proportion of self-generation from on-site versus off-site renewables, including an assessment of power purchase agreements (PPAs).
- Reduce water use by 15% by 2030, compared to a 2018/19 baseline.