At ARU, our operational approach to SDG 7 focuses on reducing energy consumption, increasing the use of clean energy, decarbonising campus operations and embedding energy management within our wider sustainability strategy.
In 2018, we signed the Fossil Fuel Declaration, developed by the National Union of Students and People & Planet. Through this commitment, the University declared that it held no investments in fossil fuel extraction companies and pledged to remain fossil fuel-free in the future. One year later, ARU declared a climate emergency in 2019 and as part of this, has committed to achieving net zero Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2035 and net zero across all emissions by 2045. Through investment in renewable electricity, on-site solar generation, building energy efficiency and performance monitoring, ARU is working to reduce its environmental impact while supporting the wider transition to a low-carbon future.
Energy management is embedded within ARU's Sustainability Strategy and is supported through the University's ISO 14001-certified environmental management system. The University publicly reports its energy performance and carbon reduction progress and continues to invest in practical measures that improve efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Through these activities, ARU uses its campuses as living examples of sustainable energy management and climate action.
We publicly report our performance against energy and carbon targets, including direct emissions, purchased electricity, building efficiency and wider sustainability indicators. This transparent approach helps embed accountability and continual improvement within energy management and climate action activities.
100% zero-carbon electricity
The University purchases 100% zero-carbon electricity for operations. Since October 2019, part of our electricity supply has been sourced through an innovative Power Purchase Agreement linked to UK wind farms, with the remainder supplied from zero-carbon electricity generation sources. We have installed approximately 142 kW of solar photovoltaic capacity across our estate, equivalent to around 1,420 square metres of solar panels. These installations prevent approximately 13 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually and contribute to on-campus renewable energy generation.
Re:Fit energy overhaul accelerates path to net zero for ARU
We have used the Re:Fit framework to accelerate progress towards our commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Through a £2.38 million investment programme delivered across three phases, we have implemented a range of energy-efficiency and renewable-energy measures across 31 buildings spanning more than 114,000 square metres of academic, residential and administrative space. The programme focused on reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions, improving building performance and enhancing the experience of students and staff.
The project delivered a comprehensive package of interventions including LED lighting upgrades, solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, building energy management system (BEMS) optimisation, pipework insulation, cooling control improvements and fan replacements. Across the three phases, the scheme achieved annual energy savings of 1.77 GWh, reduced our annual carbon emissions by 361 tonnes of CO₂, and generated annual financial savings of approximately £375,000. The project also installed 341.74 kWp of solar PV capacity, delivering a further £88,853 per year in savings through on-site renewable electricity generation.
Improving building energy efficiency
We've established a target to improve the energy efficiency of our estate by at least 10% compared with 2019 levels. By 2024/25, we have achieved an 11% improvement, exceeding our interim target and demonstrating continued progress in reducing campus energy demand.
ISO 14001 environmental management system
ARU has maintained certification to the international environmental management standard ISO 14001 since 2009. The certification provides a framework for monitoring environmental performance, meeting legal obligations and delivering continual improvement across energy, carbon and environmental management.
We publicly reports our performance against energy and carbon targets, including direct emissions, purchased electricity, building efficiency and wider sustainability indicators. This transparent approach helps embed accountability and continual improvement within energy management and climate action activities.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.