Net zero campuses
Helping large organisations on the path to net zero
As the drive to achieve net zero increases, organisations that manage large estates, such as universities, local authorities, commercial districts or science parks, are turning their attention to the decarbonisation of their largest assets – their campuses.
We are all working to minimise the impact of the climate emergency and adapt to the realities of climate change, but delivering a net zero campus is a complex challenge that requires a broad range of expertise.
As a world-class, interconnected community of passionate engineers, consultants and advisors, Buro Happold is able to deliver empowering integrated multidisciplinary expertise for clients – both asset owners and their estate managers and facilities teams.
We provide campus decarbonisation studies for large universities, public sector bodies, private organisations and multi-national companies to support their aspirations and targets to become net-zero in line with national legislation, local government policy and consumer demand.
Campus energy analysis and net-zero campus route mapping
Our net zero campus consultants typically start by undertaking a site-wide energy analysis along with reviews of existing heating, cooling and power infrastructure. Intervention scenarios are then created utilising demand reduction methods, and low and zero carbon heating technologies. Opportunities around onsite renewable electricity generation are assessed, followed by an analysis of the economic and carbon impact of these scenarios.
Critically, we also study the opportunities to retrofit a campus’ legacy buildings, to improve their energy efficiency and bring them up to 21st century standards. Our net zero campus experts build a detailed knowledge of your assets, using thermal imaging technologies to study the existing campus buildings and devise a strategy that will deliver the most impactful interventions for your investment. From this we develop a carefully considered bespoke route map towards our clients’ net zero goals.
This robust, fully costed timeline can act as the enabler for your net-zero campus vision – the evidence base that allows budgets to be set and investment to be allocated. Our integrated approach, covering supply and demand reduction options, means the client has an holistic view of their estate. Understanding the costs associated with building retrofits and technology upgrades is key to capital planning and overall estate strategy.
Achieving campus decarbonisation
This implementation strategy is visualised alongside the predicted carbon reduction curve that the interventions will achieve – to provide you with a clear road map on the journey towards a low carbon future.
We have a rich heritage in working on complex, multistakeholder projects around the world, from the University of Leeds’ Pathway to Net-Zero to the Battery Park City Sustainability Plan in New York. As well as planning your net-zero pathway, our experts can work alongside you to build and deliver insightful stakeholder communications around your net-zero goals, to educate and inform the need for change and investment in efficient and future-proofed energy systems and technologies.
