Oriel College is set to replace gas heating systems in three of its halls of residence with eco-friendly alternatives.

The shift will be facilitated with £552,140 in grant funding secured from Salix Finance, which represents the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and an additional £321,334 from the college's own funds.

The provost of Oriel College, Lord Neil Mendoza, said: "The student accommodation project affords a significant opportunity to draw on our research expertise and take a lead on sustainability.

thisisoxfordshire: Lord Neil MendozaLord Neil Mendoza (Image: PA)

"Our world-leading energy researchers and technology scientists are working closely with staff, advising the College on how best to make use of the resources we have available."

The University of Oxford has a goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions and achieving biodiversity net gain by 2035.

Oriel College's master of works, Colin Bailey, said: "We're developing a series of projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions across our site.

"Primarily this is with a view to doing our part to protect the environment, both now and in the future."

Academics such as Professor Nick Eyre and Dr Philipp Grünewald are two of the experts in energy at the college.

Dr Grünewald said: "Heating is one of our main sources of carbon emissions, so this is where we can make a huge difference on our journey to net-zero.

"We have reached the point where students, academics and estates teams are all pulling in the same direction."