
The University of Essex has selected Mitie for a consulting contract to support its ambition to reach net zero Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2035.
Mitie engineers will carry out detailed audits to understand the needs of iconic student buildings and ensure their architectural value is taken into consideration, with Plan Zero consultants using this information, alongside a series of data-led forecasting methods, to create a decarbonisation pathway.
The scope of the contract includes measuring the baseline energy use of the university’s building equipment, from boilers to HVAC systems.
Mitie has been a vital partner in our decarbonisation efforts across the University’s three campuses.
Mitie will also use 3D digital modelling software to predict how each of the university’s buildings will react to different sustainability solutions. Mitie’s Plan Zero consultants have created digital versions of the University’s buildings, based on insights from data, enabling them to model the outcome of decarbonisation plans and visualise these in real-time using virtual reality. By modelling different combinations of low and zero Carbon solutions, like heat pumps and solar panels, against this data, Mitie’s consultants can identify the best solutions to fit building requirements.
The new contract builds on Mitie’s experience helping organisations across the UK to achieve their decarbonisation targets. Over the last decade, Mitie’s Plan Zero experts have helped save customers hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon for customers through its energy management, engineering and sustainability expertise.
Mark Caskey, Managing Director of Projects at Mitie, says: “Using learnings from successes in our own net zero journey, and our innovative technology and data-led approach to decarbonisation, we are proud to support the University of Essex in pushing towards its ambitious sustainability goals. We look forward to helping the University’s 19,000 students and wider research community benefit from a greener future.”
Nimish Shah, Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction at the University of Essex, adds: “Mitie has been a vital partner in our decarbonisation efforts across the University’s three campuses. Their expertise, innovation and collaboration have been key in developing a realistic, forward-thinking decarbonisation plan for each of our buildings, helping us to reach net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035. With Mitie’s ongoing support, we are confident in leading the way toward a sustainable future.”