Plymouth Marjon University welcomed the Lord Mayor of Plymouth to its campus to declare open its Ground Source Heat Pumps, bringing the University closer to its carbon-free 2030 target.
The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann, officially opened the University’s Ground Source Heat Pumps after a 12-month project totalling £5.3 million. The project was funded by Salix, an organisation delivering government funding to the public sector, and was one of the largest non-domestic Ground Source Heat Pump projects in England.
In March 2019 Plymouth City Council announced a climate emergency, closely followed by Plymouth Marjon University. Since then, the University announced its visionary ‘Marjon Zero’ project which strives to make Marjon carbon-free by 2030.
Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann, said:
‘Marjon is taking amazing steps to be net zero. They have been a key part of the Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. Green growth is good for the planet and economy; we’re looking after future generations now. ‘
Rob Warner, Vice Chancellor of Plymouth Marjon University, added:
“This launch really highlights our outstanding progress towards being carbon neutral. Being ahead of the game like this puts Marjon in a good position to provide a green and healthy space for our community.“
The Campus already has around 2,000 solar panels which provide enough power to charge around 30 million smartphones. With the addition of its new pumps, the University is inching closer to its 2030 zero carbon target.
The University has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Green Gown Awards 2022. The awards celebrate institutions which are making strides toward carbon neutrality.