Did you know that our campus contains over 3000 roof top solar panels, which generate over 4Gwh of renewable energy?

Last month, I was lucky enough to see them up close on the roof of Arts C, as we filmed for a report and video with the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). It was great fun, if not slightly scary, with some slightly aggressive looking seagulls that looked like they could mug me for a sandwich at any time.

Back in 2017, the solar panels were sensitively installed alongside our heritage architecture and the UN biosphere that our campus is privileged to be situated in. At the time, they collectively formed the largest solar farm of any higher education institution in the UK.

Our ambition in this area has recently been showcased in CPRE’s ‘Rooftop Revolution Report’ that is seeking to promote the expansion of further roof top solar capacity alongside the protection of our surrounding ecology.

Yet despite celebrating our solar achievements that have undoubtedly resulted from the passion of the campus community to achieve environmental sustainability in all forms, it is sobering as to how much more we need to do. Our university is committed to being net zero by 2035 for both our direct and indirect carbon emissions (including those from the supply chain).

If we are to achieve this feat – that so many of us are working towards through our work, homelife or study each day – then we need to turn this quiet rooftop revolution into a far noisier environmental paradigm shift.

I am excited to continue to work with everyone on campus and in the wider community to collectively rid ourselves from our dependence on fossil fuels as we move to a future where 100% renewable energy is a reality. Let’s protect the planet for future generations together!

You can read more about the CPRE Rooftop Revolution campaign here or find out more about our University in this short video and case study that gives you a bird’s eye view of our solar production on the Sussex campus.

You can also get more involved in creating a sustainable campus by joining the sustainability mailing list here.