Plymouth Marjon University

MarjonZero

In 2022, Marjon University finished installing 55 GSHPs (120 bore holes) across campus. These Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) now power our main educational buildings, student village and staff houses.

A GSHP powered heating system network was identified as the most effective way to achieve zero carbon heating system for the campus during the work undertaken as part of the University's Campus Development Plan. The GSHP installation is the foundation for the University's transition to a low/zero carbon campus. The gas supplies and boilers will be replaced with ground source heat pumps, moving much of the campus onto electric and away from gas. Moving away from gas and to electric heating, of which we aim to majority source from our solar panels on campus, means we have made a huge leap to switching Marjon to a fully renewable energy heating system.

As part of the GSHP installations our student village and staff houses were also identified as requiring upgraded insulation and therefore saw 300mm loft insulation installed in 2022. 

Annual carbon savings achieved with the initiative:

• CO2t savings 2021/2022: 314 (Estimated) 
• CO2t savings 2022/2023: 514 (Estimated)    
• CO2t savings over the life cycle of the project: 12,870 estimated over 25 years. 

Top 3 Learnings

1. Give yourself plenty of time to plan the work.
2. Despite the disruption caused, keep in mind the long-term goal.
3. Ensure you have a good communication plan that includes all stakeholders.