In a groundbreaking initiative, the University of East London (UEL) is set to utilize natural heat from the River Thames to power its Docklands campus with the installation of an innovative water-source heat pump (WSHP). This pioneering project, a partnership with Siemens, aims not only to reduce carbon emissions significantly but also to position UEL as a leader in sustainability within the UK's higher education landscape.
The WSHP system will extract energy directly from the Thames to heat vital facilities, including the Docklands Campus Library and the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability. By harnessing natural resources, this innovative approach is expected to cut UEL's CO2 emissions by 258 tonnes each year. Furthermore, it is projected to help the institution achieve potentially the lowest carbon emissions per student in the UK by 2026.
Since the initiation of their strategic partnership in 2022, Siemens has worked to incorporate a variety of decarbonization technologies across UEL's campuses. Alongside the WSHP, the collaboration includes installing solar panels capable of producing 1.2 gigawatt hours of electricity annually and establishing 27 electric vehicle charging points at the Docklands campus.
"London is leading the way in the fight against climate change, and projects like this pioneering partnership between the University of East London and Siemens are key to our city’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future," commented London Mayor Sadiq Khan. This partnership reflects his commitment to fostering a cleaner, greener capital, firmly aligning with UEL's ambitious sustainability targets.
As part of this initiative, UEL is projected to save over £500,000 (approximately US$650,000) annually in utility costs as the new heat pumps replace existing gas boilers. Overall, the emissions are expected to be reduced by more than 1,000 tonnes per year, further highlighting the financial and environmental benefit of this venture.
How does the WSHP work? The system will employ a closed-loop design, using a network of submerged pipes to draw heat from the Thames. This type of system circulates an anti-freeze solution through sealed tubing that can absorb heat from the water effectively. This approach aligns with findings from the University of Strathclyde, which noted that water-source heat pumps maintain elevated temperatures more efficiently than air-source heat pumps.
"This Water Source Heat Pump demonstrates how universities can be at the forefront of the green energy transition," expressed Amanda Broderick, UEL's Vice-Chancellor & President. "Through our strategic partnership with Siemens, we are accelerating towards our 2030 net zero targets, delivering cutting-edge solutions that will benefit all the communities we serve and the planet."
The implications of the partnership stretch beyond just financial savings and emissions reductions. The project encourages a culture of sustainability and innovation at UEL, amplifying climate education and awareness among students. The university aims to transform its campus into a living laboratory, creating opportunities for research, internships, and community engagement around sustainability initiatives.
Siemens has a robust sustainability agenda, having halved its emissions since 2019 and committing to a 55% reduction by the end of fiscal year 2025. Their efforts are further exemplified by recent data projecting that Siemens' technologies helped avoid approximately 190 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2023, marking a 25% increase from the previous year.
Andrew Smyth, Head of Sustainability for Smart Infrastructure Buildings at Siemens UK and Ireland, stressed the importance of decarbonizing heating systems as a crucial step towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions. "UEL has a fantastic resource in the Thames, right on its doorstep. Harnessing renewable power from the water allows it to take huge steps towards its net zero goals," he remarked.
Siemens' continued partnerships with institutions like UEL signal a robust commitment to facilitating the transition towards a green economy and adopting sustainable practices across various sectors, from education to infrastructure. As UEL sets its sights on achieving net zero by 2030, this partnership stands as a testament to the potential impact of collaborative efforts in combating climate change.
Through the project, UEL not only works towards its sustainability goals but sets an example for other institutions to follow, demonstrating the power of innovative solutions in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for current and future generations.
