University carbon project wins sustainability award

A project by Salix Finance to help the University of Reading to reduce its carbon emissions has won a major sustainability award.

The partnership won the Big Sustainability Awards’ Carbon Reduction Project of the Year at the annual awards ceremony, held at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, on Thursday night (28 October).

Salix Finance has been integral in helping the University reduce its carbon emissions by an estimated 816 tonnes per year, thanks to a series of work to upgrade and redesign the University’s heating systems.

The project has also enabled the University to save money which can be diverted into other sustainable projects around the campus.

The University has pledged to become carbon net-zero by 2030.

Dan Fernbank, Energy and Sustainability Director at the University said: “Sustainability is absolutely at the heart of our ambition to become one of the greenest universities in the world and we’re pleased to be recognised for how we’ve integrated these values throughout our campuses.  

“It’s great to be recognised for our projects which we will continue to innovate in the most cost-effective way possible.”

Kirsty Adamson, Programme Manager at Salix Finance, said: "This award is testament to the fantastic work we do here at Salix, we are thrilled with our achievement.”

To find out more about what the University is doing to reduce its carbon emissions, visit https://sites.reading.ac.uk/sustainability/

Pictured (l-r): Sonia Ettetuani – Senior Communications & PR Manager (Salix Finance) ; Joan Dayap – Programme Coordinator (Salix Finance); Martin McMahon – Lead Category Manager, Procurement (University of Reading); Dan Fernbank – Energy & Sustainability Director (University of Reading); Elan Parry-Lowther – Communications & PR Officer (Salix Finance); Elise Sharpe – Client Support Officer (Salix Finance)