Bradford Energy Network to slash University’s carbon footprint by 90%
A ground-breaking city-wide heat network is set to cut the University of Bradford’s carbon emissions by 90%.
The Bradford Energy Network (BEN), developed by low-carbon infrastructure firm 1Energy, is a £75 million initiative that will transform how buildings across the city are heated. The University is the anchor partner and main sponsor of the project, with 54% of the network’s carbon savings expected to be made on campus.
Energy innovation
BEN will replace the University’s aging gas boilers, which have been in use since the Richmond Building opened in 1966, with clean energy from one of the UK’s largest air source heat pumps, located in a new energy centre on Thornton Road, built on University-owned land. The network is expected to go live in late summer 2026.
The University is investing £2 million into the project, alongside a £6.5 million grant from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The alternative – replacing boilers would have cost £11m while installing heat pumps would have cost upwards of £23 million.
University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon and Andrew Wettern CEO of 1Energy signing the Bradford Energy Network contract.
Credit: University of Bradford.
National blueprint
BEN is forecast to reduce the University’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2034/35, supporting its long-term sustainability goals and cementing its position as one of the UK’s leading institutions for carbon reduction.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon said: “This is a pivotal moment for Bradford and the UK. As the largest customer and anchor partner in the Bradford Energy Network, we’re proud to be driving positive change for people and planet.”
The University will connect 11 buildings to the network, while other partners include Bradford College, Bradford Courts, and Bradford City Hall. The project has been hailed as a blueprint for national rollout, with 1Energy planning similar schemes across the UK.
Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, who visited campus in July, said: “It’s great to see the ambition of the Bradford Energy Network, which will make an important contribution to reducing the University’s carbon emissions as well as supporting decarbonisation of Bradford city centre.”
In July, the University was named as one of the leading UK institutions for carbon reduction in the Times Higher Education in recognition of its long-standing commitment to sustainability.