£20 million for greener Welsh universities

The Welsh government has invested over £20 million towards helping universities cut down on their emissions.

Deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies and minister for further and higher education, Vikki Howells, visited Cardiff University to see the changes that have been made since they received their £12.2 million funding package.

The investment has helped the University improve their older buildings through installing energy efficiency lighting, new windows, and heat pumps. This comes part of the university’s wider sustainability journey, where it already provides electric vehicle charging and is working to electrify its fleet.

Minister for further and higher education, Vikki Howells, said: “I’m so proud of the work our education institutions are doing to tackle climate change.

“Cardiff University is showing what can be achieved with this funding, not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to save money by reducing energy consumption.

“We are committed to working with the higher and further education sector to make sure they can benefit from cost saving energy efficiencies.”

This funding comes part of the Welsh government’s Digarbon programme for the higher and further education sector, which is accessible to all Welsh universities and colleges. The loan will be able to be repaid through energy savings, which will help fund more investment in low carbon and heating solutions.

Swansea University has also been able to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings, as well as the University of Wales Trinity St David and the Royal Welsh College for Music and Drama.

Deputy first minister with responsibility for climate change, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “I’m really pleased to announce £20 million of loan funding to higher education establishments to support them in reducing emissions and playing their part in tackling the climate emergency.

“This is part of a wider journey to drive down carbon emissions across the whole public sector. It’s a huge challenge but by working together, I know we can achieve this. I would urge others to follow in the footsteps of organisations like Cardiff University.”