Energy at LSE 

Energy use is one of the largest sources of LSE’s carbon emissions. As a central London campus with a dense, mixed-use estate and many historic buildings, reducing energy demand while maintaining comfort and safety is a complex challenge. 

LSE’s approach focuses on using less energy overall, improving efficiency across buildings, and progressively shifting away from fossil fuels for heating, while sourcing electricity from renewable generation. 

Our approach 

Our energy strategy follows three core principles: 

• Reduce demand first through efficient buildings and better controls 

• Improve efficiency of heating, cooling and lighting systems 

• Decarbonise supply where possible, particularly electricity and heat 

Where our energy comes from 

LSE uses energy primarily for heating, hot water, lighting, IT systems, and energy-intensive spaces such as computer rooms, libraries and large lecture theatres. 

• Electricity: All electricity purchased by LSE is sourced from 100% renewable generation, such as wind and solar, and backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs). 

• Heat: Heating and hot water remain largely gas-based, as switching to low-carbon heat requires substantial building-level changes that are harder to deliver in dense urban settings. 

Reducing reliance on gas for heating is one of LSE’s biggest long-term energy challenges. 

Using less energy 

Alongside long-term investment, LSE actively manages day-to-day energy use across campus and residences.

Our latest energy figure can be found in our SECR statement published in the School's Annual Accounts Financial Statements.

Energy use is influenced by: 

• optimisation of heating controls and temperature set points 

• building fabric improvements where feasible 

• upgrades to lighting, lifts and equipment 

• improved energy monitoring and management 

Generating renewable energy on campus 

LSE generates a small proportion of its electricity on site through solar photovoltaic panels. 

On-site solar PV generates over 100 MWh of electricity per year, roughly equivalent to the electricity used by a small academic building. While on-site generation is constrained by roof space and heritage considerations, it helps reduce demand from the grid and makes renewable energy visible on campus. 

Buildings, refurbishment and systems 

Longer-term improvements in energy performance are embedded through building design, refurbishment and planned maintenance. 

• New developments are delivered to high sustainability standards 

• Building Management Systems (BMS) balance energy efficiency with occupant comfort 

• Planned maintenance programmes prioritise energy-efficient upgrades 

Together, these measures help ensure energy performance improves over time, including in older buildings. 

Major energy and heat projects 

LSE is progressing several energy performance and heat decarbonisation projects across the estate.  

In 2023, the Cheng Kin Ku Building (formerly the New Academic Building) underwent a major electrification project, with gas boilers and chillers replaced by air source heat pumps to reduce gas demand and support long-term carbon reduction.  

In 2024, LSE secured around £2.7 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, matched by School funding, to install air source heat pumps at the Lionel Robbins Building. This was completed in 2025.  

Work is also underway to improve energy performance in other parts of the estate. Deep retrofit and sustainability certification ambitions are integrated into future developments, including the Old Building, Firoz Lalji Global Hub and Bankside redevelopment. 

Managing energy strategically 

LSE operates a certified Energy Management System, aligned with the international ISO 50001 standard. This provides a structured framework for monitoring energy use, identifying improvements and embedding energy management into everyday operations. 

What can I do? 

Energy use at LSE is primarily shaped by building design and infrastructure. Individual actions are most effective when they help these systems operate efficiently. 

You can help by: 

• switching off equipment when not in use, particularly in shared spaces 

• avoiding personal heaters or fans, which can undermine building energy systems 

• reporting comfort or maintenance issues so they can be addressed at source 

• using shared spaces and facilities as intended