MidKent College has reached a major milestone in its ambitious ZERO initiative, with a pioneering initiative to transform the way its Maidstone and Medway campuses are powered nearing completion.
As the College moves into the final phase of development, the countdown is on to "flick the switch" and transition to sustainable energy in March 2025.
The ZERO project encompasses a range of sustainability-focused measures aiming to transform the management of the College’s campuses and day-to-day working practices. The switch to sustainable energy includes the installation of large solar panel arrays (including the largest vertical solar installation in the UK), ground and air source heat pumps. The project’s goal is to decarbonise the College's energy supply, replacing gas-powered boilers and significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
"This project represents a transformative step forward for MidKent College," said Martin Peat, Executive Director of Finance and Facilities, who is leading the ZERO initiative. "While we’ve experienced some temporary disruption during these works, the long-term benefits will be profound. Generating our own electricity and moving away from fossil fuels will position us as a leader in sustainability within the education sector."
Key Updates from Maidstone and Medway
At both campuses, progress is accelerating. All solar panels have been installed and are on track to begin generating electricity in January 2025, following commissioning. Meanwhile, ground and air source heat pumps are set to supply heating and hot water by March, paving the way for the removal of outdated gas-powered systems.
At the Medway campus, construction of the plant room is progressing well. Groundworks for the base of the facility are complete, and key components—including air source heat pumps and batteries—are scheduled for delivery in February. These will be installed via a crane lift, marking a significant milestone in the project timeline.
At the Maidstone campus, work on the car park continues at pace. With work to sink over 18km of pipework in boreholes complete, attention now turns to the installation of solar carports, further enhancing the College’s renewable energy capabilities. The car park is expected to be returned to use by April.
A Vision for the Future
The ZERO project is a cornerstone of MidKent College’s commitment to sustainability, and completing the switch to sustainable energy will deliver long-lasting benefits for both the environment and the College community.
"We’re incredibly grateful for the patience and support of our staff and students during this time," Martin Peat added. "This journey has not been without its challenges, but the outcome will be a greener, more sustainable future for everyone at MidKent College."
To learn more about the ZERO project and its progress, visit www.midkent.ac.uk/zero. Together, we’re driving sustainability through education and action.
