St Andrews awarded £950,000 to decarbonise New College buildings

The University of St Andrews has been awarded £950,000 from Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund to support a pioneering conservation and sustainability project at New College, a group of Category A and B listed buildings, formerly Madras College secondary school, in the heart of the St Andrews Conservation Area.

Dating back to around 1830, the New College buildings are of considerable cultural and architectural significance. This funding, provided by Scottish Government and delivered by Salix, will enable a programme of advanced conservation works, including roof and stonework repairs and the refurbishment of original sash windows using cutting-edge vacuum glazing technology. This “fabric-first” approach will enhance thermal performance while preserving the historic character of the buildings.

The project will significantly reduce the site’s heating demand and create the foundation for the installation of zero-emission heat sources in the future. Aligning with the Net Zero Public Sector Building Standard, the refurbishment supports the University’s ambitious target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 – ten years ahead of Scotland’s national goal.

Beyond the immediate carbon and energy benefits, the project demonstrates the University’s leadership in conservation-sensitive retrofit, showing how historic buildings can be adapted to modern energy standards without compromising heritage value. It will also act as a model for similar projects across the University estate and the wider St Andrews community.

Sustainability governance lead, Professor Ineke de Moortel, said: “This investment marks another major step in our journey towards net zero. It reflects our deep commitment to protecting the historic environment while embracing innovative technologies to cut emissions. We are proud to show how sustainability and conservation can work hand in hand to secure a greener future.”

The project bid was developed collaboratively by colleagues across Estates, Sustainability, and Development teams, working alongside external partners Buro Happold, WilkinsonEyre, Gleeds, and Currie & Brown.

Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix, Ian Rodger said: “Universities play a key role in the net zero transition not only by conducting climate research but in decarbonising their own estates and supply chains as well as educating the next generation of our leaders and professionals. We are pleased to work with the University of St Andrews as it makes a significant step to meet its net zero goals.”

This project exemplifies the University’s holistic approach to sustainability and highlights the University’s leadership role in demonstrating how historic estates can contribute to climate action while protecting Scotland’s built heritage.