The University of Manchester has been awarded Gold at the Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE) Awards 2024, in recognition of its groundbreaking solar farm development at Medebridge. 

The award, presented in the Sustainability Impact Initiative category, celebrates projects that deliver significant environmental and sector-wide impact. Our Medebridge solar farm was recognised for its scale, ambition, and potential to transform how we power the University. 

Once fully operational, the solar farm will feature over 103,000 solar panels across 175 acres – generating up to 60% of the University’s electricity demand through renewable sources. The site will also contribute to biodiversity through the creation of nesting habitats, wildflower meadows, and native grassland planting beneath and around the solar arrays. 

Lee Barlow, who led the project, said: “This award is a proud moment for the University and a testament to the collaborative effort of our multidisciplinary implementation team and external partners, whose shared vision and dedication brought the project to life.” 

Julia Durkan, Head of Environmental Sustainability, added: “This is the University’s largest-ever carbon reduction project, cutting emissions by 25%. It reflects our commitment to delivering measurable sustainability impact at scale – benefitting not only our operations and the environment, but also creating new opportunities for teaching and research.” 

For more information: 

• Landmark solar deal set to power the University, lower emissions, and boost sustainability 
• To find out more about our sustainability strategy, visit our environmental sustainability webpage.