Located at the Judge Business School, Keynes House is one of the first buildings to be retrofitted with air source heat pumps as part of the University's approach to decarbonisation. This final phase follows the installation of new internal pipework and heat emitters that commenced in August 2024, following newly installed high-performance triple-glazed windows 18 months prior to improve the building's thermal efficiency.
The air source heat pump covers all four floors and is an efficient alternative to the old gas boilers that were close to the limit of their expected lifespan.
Charmain Allen, Chief Operating Officer for Cambridge Judge Business School said, “Cambridge Judge Business School is delighted to be the recipient of the first major retrofit Air Source Heat Pump Scheme to a building in occupation within the University estate. This initiative will cut CJBS’ Scope 1 carbon emissions by 10% and represents a significant step in our commitment to reducing energy-related emissions from our operational buildings. Following our first Carbon Audit assessment last summer, this project directly supports our ambition to lower our overall carbon footprint across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, driving meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.”
Projects such as this one at Keynes House will significantly improve environmental performance and air quality. The University secured a Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant of just under £300k to support the £1.2m project, which included a complete renewal of near-end-of-life heat distribution and cooling systems. The University has committed to achieving absolute zero carbon on energy-related emissions such as electricity, gas and purchased heat from our operational estate by no later than 2048.
All departments can also apply to the Carbon Reduction Fund, which can support measures to reduce carbon emissions across scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3.
For further information on sustainability action at the University, see the recent Sustainability Matters newsletter and Environmental Sustainability Hub.