Dynamic project gears Lincoln College up for a net zero future

Lincoln College Group have started their journey to net zero, as the college delivers energy efficiency upgrades under two phases of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. 

Awarded funding under both Phase 3c and Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the college is in the midst of a dynamic, multi-million-pound project to install energy-saving technologies across its Lincolnshire sites. 

Under Phase 3c, the college secured £1.86 million in funding toward a £2 million project that is expected to deliver annual carbon savings of 281.80 tonnes. In Phase 4, the group received an additional £760k, contributing to a £928k project supported by match funding. The college says this phase is projected to save 147.04 tonnes of carbon annually. 

The improvements include the replacement of outdated gas boilers, the installation of air source heat pumps, energy-efficient windows, insulation upgrades, and a new building management system - all aimed at helping the college meet its ambitious 2036 net zero target. 

Nick Pettit, Director of Estates at Lincoln College, said: “This funding makes a significant difference to our efforts to become a low carbon estate. Our Sustainability Plan is ambitious and is set for us to be low carbon or as close to net zero as possible by 2036.” 

Work is taking place across key college buildings, including Cathedral, Bishops, Abbey, Temple and Friary, many of which are not only used for administration and teaching but also for training students in construction, joinery, engineering and sustainable energy technologies. 

Molly Evanson, Salix client support officer, said: “It’s remarkable to think that a hub of decarbonisation activity is happening right where the engineers and future energy experts are being trained. It is very inspiring to see this work.” 

Molly added: “These buildings are heavily used for a range of courses, from A Levels and apprenticeships to special educational needs and English language classes. It is really important that the learning environment is the right one.” 

During the Salix visit the team toured classrooms, offices, and building works underway.  

At the Bishops and Cathedral buildings - which house the Engineering, Information Technology, Automotive Engineering and Supported Education, six air source heat pumps were seen ready to be connected ahead of the winter heating season.  

Window replacements and insulation of new pipework were also progressing on site. 

The Phase 3c works are on track for completion and commissioning by October, while Phase 4 is a three-year project currently in its design phase. 

Like any live learning environment, the college has faced challenges, such as coordinating works around busy exam periods in the Cathedral building - but through detailed planning, learning continued without disruption. 

As the college moves closer to realising its 2036 sustainability goals, students remain central to the mission - not only benefiting from a greener campus but actively participating in shaping the future of energy.