St Andrews University: So Hip, So Green

In 2010, the University discovered a vacant Paper Mill at Guardbridge and knew it had found a diamond in the rough. The plan is to create a Green Energy Centre […]

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In 2010, the University discovered a vacant Paper Mill at Guardbridge and knew it had found a diamond in the rough. The plan is to create a Green Energy Centre and a Knowledge and Exchange Centre (Green Lantern meets Captain Planet) for “spin-out companies, new businesses and prototype testing”. So the superheroes sell out.

The ‘fixer-upper’ is set to be boosted by a proposed investment of over £25 million and the University is also in discussions with a company, which is “keen to establish a brewery”… Only if the students get to taste test.

The University now seeks a ‘specialist partner’ to help develop the compound and has placed adverts in European journals to find one. Apparently we are soooo Single in St Andrews that we need to advertise.

The centre will generate electricity through heat, biomass, hydro-power, ground-source heat pumps, and possible gas reclamation from sewage. It will then be used by local businesses whilst the rest is “pumped as hot water to St Andrews where it will heat and cool buildings and student residence.” Welcome to St Andrews, freshers, where your hall is heated by your own turd.

The University cites its rapidly increasing energy bills as one of justifications for redeveloping the Guardbridge site; they argue that these expenses are a “major threat to investment in frontline teaching and research.” Sadly we know the cost of heating in St Andrews, so no need for explanation there.

The Guardbridge Mill should be operational by 2014.

 

Photo © Fife.gov.uk