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Eco-Block Pilot Project at Glasney Village
June 13, 2025
Glasney Village, a significant carbon emitter, is the focus of an Eco-Block Pilot Project, starting with Glasney Parc Block A.
As part of our combined efforts to decarbonise campus, the pilot project, which is the first of its kind, sets out to explore the feasibility of implementing a district heating system using air source heat pumps, which in the future could see us move away from using natural gas to heat student residences.
Other green technologies such as Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels and a Building Management System with Automatic Monitoring and Targeting will also be incorporated to generate energy and improve energy efficiency of the accommodation blocks.
Initially, the pilot project will begin this summer (July-August 2025) with Glasney Parc Block A as we start to replace gas boilers and install a standalone air source heat pump and PVs onto the roof of the building.
The project is supported by the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, an initiative funded by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, which provides grants to public sector organisations to implement energy saving and carbon reducing technologies in their buildings. This initial phase (Glasney Park Block A) of the project has been awarded a £55k grant towards the £114k total project cost.
In the future, it is hoped that more air source heat pumps could be installed and connected across numerous residence blocks at Glasney Village, to realise the efficiencies and carbon savings associated with a district heating system.
Other plans to continue to improve the fabric of our buildings, such as improved insulation, windows and doors, as well as LED lighting upgrades, would also improve the energy efficiency of the buildings and help us achieve even greater carbon savings. If you have any questions about this project or would like more information about decarbonisation on campus, please contact the Sustainability team on sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk.