Eden Campus energy centre scoops national green award

The University of St Andrews and partners Vital Energi have won a major national award at the Scottish Green Energy Awards 2016.

The partnership beat off stiff competition from across Scotland to take the prestigious Sustainable Development Award for the biomass energy centre at the University’s Eden Campus in Guardbridge.

The £25 million energy centre on the east side of the former paper mill site in Guardbridge produces hot water from a biomass boiler using clean, natural fuels which is pumped four miles through an underground pipeline to St Andrews where it heats University buildings.

Professor Verity Brown, Vice-Principal (Enterprise & Engagement), said: “To win such a prestigious award against competition from across Scotland is an outstanding achievement.

“The energy centre at the Eden Campus at Guardbridge is a remarkable engineering project which would not have been possible without our partners, Vital Energi.

“It is a project that would not have been possible without the forbearance and support of local people in and around Guardbridge.”

Mike Cooke, Regional Director for Vital Energi, said: “We have worked closely with the University on this project since September 2014 and experienced first-hand their commitment to the environment and their enthusiasm to be involved at every step of the way.

“We’re delighted the project has been recognised at this prestigious event and we would like to acknowledge the patience and support of the local residents and project stakeholders who experienced disruption while the heat network was formed.”