Water Management

With our research primarily lying in the agricultural and botanical - both water intensive practices - water conservation and utilising water effectively and efficiently is something we are committed to and are continually improving. 

As such, our Net Zero by 2030 strategy outlines the importance of fresh water as a finite resource, we have developed a SMART strategy to reduce our water usage by 25% by 2030. 

Renewable Water at Aberystwyth

The university has already invested in the use of renewable water supplies. For example, toilets in our IBERS building on Penglais use harvested rainwater to flush, and university owned Trawscoed farm has invested in rain water harvesting technology and storage systems to become more self-sufficient thus saving water.

Implementation Plan

Aberystwyth intends to increase water efficiency, reduce consumption and produce its own supply of renewable water. We will do this through:

  • Good Housekeeping
    • Metering and targeting, behaviour change and training, and regular inspection and auditing.
  • ‌Demand Side Investing to Save

    • Upgrading infrastructure, reducing leaks, modernising facilities, improving water controls.

  • Supply Side Invest to Save

    • Investment and Integration of Renewable Water Supplies

The Built Environment

Aberystwyth University's Energy Policy Statement ensures Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Monitoring (BREEAM) 'Excellent' ratings in new university buildings and 'Very Good' in refurbishments. BREEAM provides a comprehensive environmental evaluation, assessment and rating system for buildings, which includes aspects related to energy and water use, the internal environment (health and well-being), pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology and management processes. Aberystwyth are also heavily invested in a variety of other environmentally friendly, energy saving schemes. See our Carbon Management Performance Statement 2022-23 review for more information.