Cheshire College – South & West has successfully completed a transformative £6.2 million decarbonisation project across its Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester campuses, significantly advancing its commitment to sustainability and climate action.
The final phase of the initiative, delivered at the Ellesmere Port Campus, marks the culmination of a multi-year effort to reduce the College’s carbon footprint and transition to cleaner energy solutions. The overall scheme will reduce carbon emission by 562 tonnes per year and save 3.08 million kWh of fossil fuel energy annually.
Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO of Cheshire College, said, “This project represents our continued commitment to sustainability, not only supporting the UK’s climate targets but also helping us manage long-term energy costs, ensuring a sustainable future for the College and community.”
The Ellesmere Port phase received £1.11 million in funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, contributing to a total investment of £1.76 million. The completed scheme is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 175 tonnes annually – a 39% reduction – and cut fossil fuel consumption by over 975,000 kWh at the Campus.
Key upgrades at Ellesmere Port included the replacement of two gas boilers with six air-source heat pumps, which provide heating and hot water by efficiently extracting heat from the outside air. Powered by electricity, these systems offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based heating.
The project also involved replacing outdated fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures, further reducing energy consumption and improving the learning environment.
Kyle Brick, Estates and Facilities Manager added, “Replacing fossil fuel-based heating with air-source heat pumps marks a major step towards eco-friendly, efficient campuses. The benefits of this project will be felt for years to come, both environmentally and economically.”
The decarbonisation scheme supports the UK’s goal to achieve 95% clean electricity by 2030, replacing fossil fuels like gas and oil with cleaner energy solutions.
With the final phase now complete, the College continues to lead by example in the education sector, demonstrating how institutions can take meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.