AUB's Green Innovation Leads to Top Sustainability Recognition

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is celebrating recent successes in sustainability, showing its strong commitment to reaching net zero by 2030. As an official partner of this esteemed institution, AHZ takes pride in their accomplishments.

Recently, Arts University Bournemouth was selected as a finalist in two categories for the Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland 2024. These awards, in partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), recognise the outstanding sustainability efforts and projects of universities and colleges in the UK and Ireland.

AUB has earned a 2:1 rating in the latest University League by People & Planet, which ranks universities on their sustainability efforts. The university now ranks in the top third of UK universities for its environmental and ethical practices, moving up 18 places from last year.

In addition, the university was assessed in 14 areas. These include sustainable food, carbon management, waste reduction, and environmental policies. Impressively, AUB earned a perfect 100% score for its Environmental Auditing and Management Systems.

The university is making great progress in reducing carbon emissions on campus by installing Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs). This is an important part of their plan to use less fossil fuel and provide clean, efficient heating. ASHPs can heat water using renewable energy and air, making them up to 300% more efficient than traditional gas heating systems. They can also help cut carbon emissions by 12% each year.

This £2.5 million project involves replacing gas boilers as well as preparing for future needs. The installation of ASHPs and Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs) is a major step towards making the AUB campus about 46% greener.

This change will reduce gas emissions by approximately 115 metric tonnes of CO2e each year, contributing to a total reduction of at least 2,300 metric tonnes of CO2e over the next decade. At AHZ, we wish Arts University Bournemouth all the best in achieving its long-term sustainability goals.