Buildings and Energy

Ulster University Estates Services track our progress regularly through data collection and analysis, enabling targeted actions to improve sustainability. We report on our progress annually via the HESA Estates Management Record and our Annual Sustainability Report. These efforts align with our commitment to a more sustainable future.

At Ulster University, we are actively investing in on-site renewable energy generation. We source 100% of our electricity from renewable sources, either generated on-campus or supplied through our electricity provider.

Wind

Ulster University was the first educational institution in the UK and Ireland to generate onsite wind energy. Two 800 kW wind turbines at the Coleraine campus generate approximately 2,800 MWh of renewable electricity each year, meeting around 40% of the campus’ total electricity needs.

Solar

Eight solar PV systems across our campuses provide a combined capacity of 180 kW, producing around 140,000 kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to saving 40 tonnes of carbon.

Ground-source heat pump

A low-carbon heating system is in operation at the High-Performance Sports Centre at the Ulster University Sports Village, using ground-source energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

We are committed to reducing energy consumption across all campuses. From upgrading insulation and lighting to optimising heating and ventilation, we are investing in measures that reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

Upgrading to sustainable technologies

Estates Services are replacing outdated and inefficient equipment with more energy-efficient and low-carbon alternatives. For example, two CHP units installed at the Belfast campus (Block BA) generate both electricity and heat from a single fuel source, improving overall energy efficiency.

Building improvements

Estates Services are enhancing our building fabric (e.g. insulation, windows) and upgrading our Building Management System (BMS) controls to optimise energy use.

Energy monitoring

There are over 500 remotely monitored energy meters installed across all campuses which enable real-time tracking of energy performance and savings. Estates Services are continuing to expand our metering for to help identify inefficiencies and reduce wastage.

Behaviour change

We are promoting energy-saving behaviours through awareness campaigns and communications targeted at staff and students.

Energy audits

Estates Services complete regular energy audits to identify areas of energy waste and highlight opportunities for improving energy performance and reducing carbon emissions.

The Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is widely recognised as the world-leading design and assessment method for sustainable buildings. All Ulster University new builds are designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent ratings, incorporating features like solar panels, natural ventilation, airtight construction, and green roofs.

The BB, BC and BD building at the Belfast campus have a BREEAM Excellent rating. Retrofit projects aim for, at a minimum, BREEAM Very Good.

The Capital Development and Retrofit Projects – Sustainable Design Procedure is issued to all consultants as part of the university’s Building Engineering Service Standards. The procedure ensures that sustainability principles are embedded in all capital and retrofit works.

• Ulster University’s electricity use, including on-site and cloud-based data centre operations, is supplied by 100% renewable electricity through a combination of on-site generation, renewable procurement, and Microsoft’s renewable-powered UK and Ireland operations.
• Dell, the University’s server provider, was required to hold ISO 14001 certification through the tender process and operates certified environmental management systems, alongside energy-efficient hardware design, lifecycle carbon footprint reporting, and circular economy take-back and resource recovery programmes.