University of Liverpool
Unlocking Geothermal Potential to support the University of Liverpool’s Energy Strategy and Net Zero Goals
Finalist, 2030 Climate Action
About
The University of Liverpool launched a new Energy Strategy in February 2025, to address 95% of the University’s scope 1 and 2 emission in line with the target of Net Zero by 2035. It directly supports key strategic commitments set out in our strategic plan, Liverpool 2031, as well as our Climate Plan, Sustainability Strategy, and Estates Strategy. More widely, the Energy Strategy will assist the University in positioning challenges and opportunities, partnerships and investment, within the wider region. Alongside the launch of the Energy Strategy, the University of Liverpool completed a joint high-level feasibility study with the Royal Liverpool Hospital to assess the technical and commercial viability of geothermal heat beneath its campus. This project proposes a geographically significant opportunity for our net-zero transition that will utilise academic expertise, and involve staff, students and eternal organisations to transform our heat and energy network into a resilient system that benefits both the University and our local community.
Top 3 learnings
- Importance of us conducting quality feasibility studies of geothermal solutions for viable solutions.
- We learned early, purposeful partnerships accelerate feasibility, unlock expertise, and strengthen shared learning.
- We partnered with academics to catalyse new place-based research, translating geothermal feasibility into wider applications
What it would mean to win
Although the University of Liverpool was relatively late to embed sustainability at scale, the establishment of a dedicated sustainability team in 2022 has accelerated transformative change across the institution. In just four years, we have integrated sustainability into institutional strategy, governance, and decision-making, delivering measurable impacts through our ambitious Sustainability Strategy and supporting plans. A Green Gown Award would recognise this rapid progress, strengthen the profile of sustainability across the University, and enable us to share our learning and drive wider sector-wide change.
SDG
| 2026 | |
| 2030 Climate Action | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
More from the 2026 awards
Charles Sturt University
Restoring Nature, Inspiring Futures: 20+ Years of Biodiversity Leadership
Read More
Finalist, Nature Positive
Green Gown Award Regions
Australasia
