Keele University’s Science and Innovation Park has been named winner at a UK-wide awards ceremony.

The UK Science Park Association 40th Anniversary Awards, which celebrate the achievements of Science Parks across the country, recognised Keele’s significant role in addressing climate change and reducing environmental impact, presenting the University with the Building Environmental Sustainability and Innovation award.

Keele is a sector-leader in sustainability, and the University is embedding sustainability into its research, education and operations – including its thriving Science and Innovation Park.

Fully integrated into the University campus and one of the largest of its kind in the UK, Keele’s Science and Innovation Park is home to over 50 organisations, ranging from globally-established businesses to high-growth start-ups, clustering around Life Sciences, Energy and Environment, and Digital.

The Park is estimated to generate £75m a year to the regional economy, and the University expects further significant regional economic impact as it seeks further investment that will see the Park more than treble its footprint.

The Park is the only facility of its kind to benefit from on-site renewable energy generation, provided by the 12,000 solar panels, two wind turbines, and industrial-sized battery which form the University’s Low Carbon Energy Generation Park, created in partnership with low-carbon technology specialists Equans.  

The on-site renewables generate up to 50% of the University’s electricity requirements, saving approximately 1,500 tonnes of carbon emissions across the campus and integrated Science and Innovation Park.  In 2024 alone, Keele’s solar panels and wind turbines have generated almost 6,000,000 kWh of green energy.

The Low Carbon Energy Generation Park is linked to a campus-wide Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND)* – a state-of-the-art, real-time energy management system designed and installed in partnership with Siemens.

The University has also helped to accelerate the energy transition by supporting other organisations regionally, nationally and internationally – through demonstrations, research, and knowledge exchange programmes, including with Science Park businesses.

Speaking about the UKSPA award win, Ann Pittard, Director of Keele University Science and Innovation Park, said: “We are delighted that the Science and Innovation Park has been recognised in these awards. UKSPA’s membership includes some of the most renowned Science Parks in the world, and it was enough of an achievement to be shortlisted in three categories.

“We are particularly pleased to have been recognised for environmental sustainability in the built environment, which reflects the efforts of many people, teams and organisations to create a legacy from Keele’s Smart Energy Network Demonstrator project.  

“This has provided an environment for resident companies that is unique in the UK. Not only is there access to renewable energy generated on campus, supported by smart technologies to use that efficiently, but also academic expertise and student capacity in related areas for Science Park companies to draw on as they develop their own approaches to carbon reduction.

“This will continue to be at the forefront of our approach to the proposed expansion of the Science & Innovation Park over the coming years.”

Click here to find out more about Keele University's Science and Innovation Park.

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*The SEND project (ref. 32R16P00706) has been part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the England 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Growth Programme. The project has also received funds from the Midlands Engine.