Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Solar  -  October 28, 2024

Bristol City to Decarbonize With Low Carbon Infrastructure 

The Bristol City Leap (BCL) project will decarbonize the U.K. city with EV charging, building management systems, and solar and heat pump systems.

The 20-year joint venture between Bristol City Council, Ameresco — a cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy — and Vattenfall Heat U.K. will focus on on achieving city-scale decarbonization by installing low carbon energy infrastructure, primarily funded and delivered by the private sector. 

The goal is for the joint venture to attract £1 billion in investments over the partnership's duration, with at least £424 million committed by 2027. 

The benefits of the project include the following:

• EV Charging Network: £18 million investment in the city's EV charging network over the first five years.
• Council Operational Buildings: £2.5 million projects in council operational buildings for building management systems, energy-efficient chillers and LED lighting with another £10 million of projects in advanced development to commence within the next 12 months.
• Schools: Installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and air-source heat pumps in schools to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Social Housing Stock: £57 million investment in the city's social housing stock by 2029, including £16 million for refurbishing nine blocks of flats and a £7.8 million window replacement program to improve energy efficiency.
• Heat Network Expansion: Expansion of the city's heat network by Vattenfall, expected to supply low carbon heat to the equivalent of 12,000 homes over the next five years.
• Large-Scale Renewable Development: An £83 million program of large-scale renewable development, much of which will take place on council-owned land.

Collectively, these initiatives are projected to result in an impressive reduction of approximately 140,000 tons of carbon emissions and the installation of 182 megawatts of clean, renewable energy over the first  five years.

“Cities are where the battle against climate change will largely be won or lost,” said Marvin Rees OBE, former Mayor of Bristol, in a statement. “But cities will only be able to deliver on their potential if they access the right finance, at the scale and the right time. The approach we developed for Bristol City Leap is a solution to that challenge by establishing a partnership with the private sector. It is an example of Bristol’s commitment to sustainability and inclusive economic growth, ensuring the city builds a future where no one is left behind.”

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